New Delhi responds firmly to pressure from NATO and former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding its energy ties with Russia.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling domestic energy demands, amid increasing international pressure over its continued trade with Russia. On Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed recent warnings from NATO, emphasizing that the Indian government’s top priority is meeting the energy needs of its citizens.
His statement comes in response to comments made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who explicitly named India, China, and Brazil in a recent warning. Rutte urged the leaders of these countries to push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to severe consequences.
Rutte stated, “If you are the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, or the President of Brazil, and you continue trading with Russia, buying oil and gas despite international warnings, you should be aware of the repercussions. If the man sitting in Moscow refuses to engage in peace talks, then tough actions will be taken against you too. So please, call Putin and tell him to stop the war.”
These remarks followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s own warning, where he declared that if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire within 50 days, not only would Russia face 100% tariffs, but so would the countries continuing to trade with it.
Responding to these developments, Jaiswal noted, “We have seen reports on this issue and are monitoring the situation. As I’ve said before, and I repeat again — our primary concern is to meet the energy requirements of our people. We take decisions based on what is available in the market, while also keeping global developments in view. We are mindful of avoiding any double standards.”
Though Jaiswal did not mention the United States by name, many observers believe India’s message indirectly addresses Washington as well.
The broader context adds weight to India’s stance. Despite Western sanctions, several NATO countries continue to import energy from Russia. According to data, since 2022, the largest volumes of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas have been exported to the European Union. Turkey — a NATO member — remains one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil.
India’s message is clear: while it acknowledges global geopolitical dynamics, it will make sovereign decisions that align with its national interests, especially when it comes to securing energy for its population.
