India Hits Back at US & EU Over Russian Oil Criticism: “Look Who’s Talking”

🛢️ India Responds to Western Pressure Over Russian Oil: “Pot, Meet Kettle”

On August 4, 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a strongly worded statement defending its decision to import oil from Russia a move that has recently drawn criticism from both the United States and the European Union.

But India’s message is clear: We’re not the hypocrites here.

🧾 Background: Why India Turned to Russian Oil

Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, traditional energy supply chains were disrupted. Europe scrambled for alternatives and in doing so, diverted many traditional energy sources away from Asia, including India.

India, needing to maintain affordable and stable energy prices for over a billion consumers, turned to Russia, whose discounted oil provided a much-needed cushion.

And here’s the twist the U.S. initially supported this move, recognizing India’s need to stabilize domestic energy markets during a global crisis.

🧨 The Accusation: Hypocrisy from the West?

India’s official statement makes no attempt to sugarcoat:

“The very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia… unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.”

Let’s break that down.

📊 Western Trade with Russia: Still Going Strong

European Union’s 2024 trade with Russia:

• €67.5 billion in goods
• €17.2 billion in services (2023)
• LNG imports hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, more than any previous year

What Europe buys from Russia:

• LNG, fertilizers, mining products, chemicals
• Iron, steel, machinery, transport equipment the whole industrial buffet

United States:

• Still imports uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector
• Palladium for EVs
• Fertilizers and chemicals

So while pointing fingers at India, both the U.S. and EU are quietly maintaining robust trade ties with Russia, especially in critical sectors.

India’s Message: Energy Security First

India’s position is simple: Energy access is not optional. The government stressed that:

“Imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation.”

With economic security and national interest at stake, India has every right to source its energy from where it is economically viable and strategically sound.

📢 Final Statement: “Unjustified and Unreasonable”

The Indian government concludes by calling the criticism from Western powers “unjustified and unreasonable.”

India, like any sovereign economy, will “take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

In short: We won’t be guilt-tripped.