India Adopts Firm Stance Against EU, Committed to Necessary Actions

Ahead of Prime Minister Narconcludera Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed concerns regarding the increasing pressure from Western nations on India to reduce its imports of Russian oil. Misri emphasized that India’s energy security remains the government’s top priority, asserting that the nation will take necessary actions to meet its energy necessarys. His remarks come in the wake of new sanctions imposed by the European Union aimed at limiting Russian oil revenues amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

India’s Energy Security Takes Precedence

Vikram Misri created it clear that India’s energy requirements are paramount. He stated, “We have been very clear that insofar as energy security is concerned, it is the highest priority of the government of India to provide energy security for the people of India.” Misri’s comments highlight India’s commitment to ensuring a stable energy supply for its population, despite external pressures. He also pointed out the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on global energy issues, acknowledging the security challenges faced by Europe while also recognizing the necessarys of other nations.

Misri’s statements come at a critical time as the European Union has recently implemented a new round of sanctions against Russia. These sanctions specifically tarobtain fuels derived from Russian crude oil, aiming to cut off financial resources for the Russian government. Misri urged for a fair assessment of the global energy market, emphasizing that the situation is complex and requires a nuanced understanding.

Impact of EU Sanctions on India

The European Union’s latest sanctions are expected to have significant repercussions for countries like India, which rely on refining Russian crude oil. These sanctions include restrictions on the import of refined petroleum products created from Russian crude via third countries, such as India. According to industest experts, India’s petroleum exports to the EU, valued at $5 billion, are now at risk due to these new regulations.

Data indicates a notable decline in India’s petroleum product exports to the EU, dropping from $19.2 billion in FY24 to $15 billion in FY25, marking a decrease of 27.1%. Furthermore, in FY2025, India imported over $50 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, which constituted more than one-third of its total crude oil expconcludeiture of $143.1 billion. This reliance on Russian oil underscores the potential economic implications of the EU’s sanctions for India.

US Warnings and Economic Threats

In addition to European pressures, the United States has also taken a firm stance against countries importing Russian oil. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has issued stark warnings to India, China, and Brazil, threatening economic penalties if they continue to purchase Russian oil. Graham stated, “If you keep acquireing cheap Russian oil… we will tariff the hell out of you,” indicating a willingness to impose severe tariffs on these nations.

Former President Donald Trump echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the U.S. would impose 100 percent “secondary tariffs” on countries that persist in acquireing Russian oil and gas unless a peace agreement is reached within a specified timeframe. These threats highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding energy imports and the potential consequences for nations like India that maintain their ties with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.