India pushes back against EU pressure on Russian oil

(MENAFN) India has rejected the European Union’s attempts to pressure it over importing and refining Russian oil, emphasizing that its top priority is ensuring energy security for its population.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri responded to questions about the EU’s 18th sanctions package targeting Moscow, which included measures against an Indian refinery. Misri stressed that the EU needs to understand the global energy landscape more clearly.

“We have made it clear that India’s highest priority is to secure energy for its people, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure that,” he said. He added that there should be no double standards when discussing energy issues and called for a balanced view of the global market, including the sources and demands of energy worldwide.

Reuters reported earlier that two tankers delayed loading fuel from the sanctioned Indian refinery.

Misri acknowledged Europe’s serious security concerns but pointed out that the rest of the world also faces critical challenges, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective in these discussions.

Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022, Russia has become India’s major crude oil supplier, accounting for about 40% of imports. Meanwhile, India has grown into a significant exporter of refined fuels to Europe since 2023.

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