India Warns Against "Double Standards" in Sanctions on Russian Oil Imports

India has cautioned against "double standards" in sanctions on Russian oil imports, saying securing energy needs is a top priority. The Ministry of External Affairs responded to US lawmakers considering a bill to impose 500% duties on countries buying Russian oil. India has diversified its supply sources, buying oil from about 40 countries. The government is following developments closely and has not reversed a decision to stop all oil imports from Iran.

India has firmly rejected the threat of double standards in sanctions on Russian oil imports, emphasizing that securing energy needs is a top priority. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to US lawmakers considering a bill to impose 500% duties on countries buying Russian oil, stating that external pressures will not sway India's energy strategy [4].

India has diversified its supply sources, with oil imports now coming from about 40 countries, up from 27 before the Russia-Ukraine war. This diversification is a key part of India's proactive strategy to ensure energy security and prevent price surges [3, 5].

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has expressed confidence in India's ability to meet its oil needs from alternative sources if Russian supplies are hit by sanctions. He noted that the country has expanded its oil import network and is exploring new suppliers, such as Guyana, Brazil, and Canada [1, 2, 3].

The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cautioned against adopting double standards in energy trade with Russia, stating that India's domestic needs depend on the current market scenario and prevailing global circumstances. He emphasized that securing the energy needs of the nation is an overriding priority [4].

India has ramped up its purchase of discounted Russian oil since the war began in February 2022, with Russian crude now accounting for nearly 40% of India's total oil imports. However, India has not reversed its decision to stop all oil imports from Iran, indicating a commitment to maintaining its energy diversification strategy [4].

The government is closely following developments and has not indicated any plans to reverse its decision to stop oil imports from Iran. India's diversified supply sources and proactive strategy in securing energy supplies suggest that it is well-prepared to navigate any potential disruptions in Russian oil imports.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/india-confident-meeting-oil-needs-despite-potential-sanctions-russian-imports-2025-07-17/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/india-unfazed-by-trumps-secondary-tariff-threats-hardeep-singh-puri-on-threat-to-russian-oil-imports/articleshow/122616808.cms
[3] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/india-can-secure-oil-even-if-russian-imports-sanctioned-minister-says-2025-07-17/
[4] https://www.republicworld.com/india/india-rejects-nato-chiefs-100-secondary-sanction-threats-warns-against-double-standards-over-russia-ties
[5] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/crude-oil-prices-will-come-down-as-india-looks-for-more-import-sources-oil-minister-hardeep-singh-puri/articleshow/122633733.cms