By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday emphasized that securing India’s energy needs is an “overriding priority,” in response to NATO head Rutte warned that India, China, and Brazil could face “100 percent secondary sanctions” for buying Russian oil,
The MEA cautioned against “double standards” after NATO chief Mark Rutte’s remarks on potential secondary sanctions for countries trading with Russia.
India prioritizes securing energy for its people, guided by market availability and global circumstances.
Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate and I have said this in the past as well that securing the energy needs of our people is, understandably, an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by what is available in the markets, as well as by the prevailing global circumstances.”
He cautioned against double standards,
“We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter,” the MEA Spokesperson further said.
On the issue of diversified oil imports, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri has noted that India has broadened its oil import network from 27 to 40 countries, MEA stated.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed US President Donald Trump’s position on imposing severe tariffs on countries trading with Russia in regards NATO’s warning and US stance.
US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal also pushed for the “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,” which could impose penalties up to 500 percent.
India and the EU are progressing with Free Trade Agreement talks, with the next round scheduled in New Delhi in September, MEA added
