MEA Rejects Criticism of Russian Oil Imports, Highlights Energy Security and EU Trade with Russia

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding India’s import of oil from Russia, asserting that such actions are both necessary and justifiable. The MEA’s position is that these imports are essential to provide accessible energy to Indian citizens. The MEA has called the criticism from the US and EU ‘unjustified and unreasonable’. The MEA’s statement also noted that India’s shift towards Russian oil imports was prompted by disruptions to its traditional supply chains due to the conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, the MEA highlighted that the US has even previously encouraged India to import Russian oil for global energy market stability. Additionally, the MEA emphasized that several Western nations, which have voiced their disapproval, continue to engage in considerable trade with Russia, surpassing India’s trade volume.