India resists West’s hypocrisy over Russian oil imports

INDIA’s firm rebuttal to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s threat over Russian oil imports once again exposes the West’s duplicity on global energy security. During his visit to the US, Rutte warned India, China and Brazil to push Russia toward ending the Ukraine war or face punitive tariffs. His remarks coincided with growing US support for the Russian Sanctions Act, 2025 — a Bill backed by President Trump and 171 lawmakers — that proposes duties of up to 500 per cent on countries trading in Russian-origin oil, gas, uranium or petrochemicals. India, which imports nearly 88 per cent of its oil, has rightly cautioned against these “double standards.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed New Delhi’s concerns to Senator Lindsey Graham, emphasising India’s legitimate energy needs and sovereign right to chart its own economic course. Even as Russian oil imports declined 14.5 per cent in February, Moscow remains India’s top supplier, having offered discounted crude when others withdrew.

What irks New Delhi is the West’s selective outrage. While Europe continues to import Russian crude through third countries and shadow fleets, it expects the Global South to uphold sanctions at its own economic cost. Russian oil refined in India or Turkey and re-exported to the EU reveals the hollowness of this posturing. India’s sharp reminder, also directed at NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Delhi, highlights that national interest — not pressure — will guide its decisions. India’s reference to reviving the Russia-India-China dialogue further signals a shifting strategic balance, one that challenges Western dominance.

If energy security is non-negotiable for Europe, it is equally vital for developing economies like India. Coercion and selective morality will only erode trust. A truly rules-based global order must apply to all, not just when convenient to the West.

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