India Rejects NATO's Sanctions Threat, Prioritises Energy Security
- India firmly dismissed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s warning of 100% secondary sanctions over Russian oil trade.
- The MEA stated that securing affordable energy for its people is India’s top priority and will not be influenced by external pressure.
- India continues to import discounted Russian oil, now making up 40% of its oil imports, surpassing $50 billion in 2024–25.
India has strongly rebutted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s threat of imposing 100% secondary sanctions on countries continuing energy trade with Russia, stating that national energy security remains an uncompromisable priority. The firm response came after Rutte warned India, China, and Brazil of severe penalties if they fail to press Russia for peace in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Addressing media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India's energy decisions are guided by market availability and geopolitical realities. “Securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and by the prevailing global circumstances”, said Jaiswal. He cautioned the West against applying 'double standards' when it comes to energy partnerships and trade, particularly with Russia.
Rutte, who was recently appointed NATO Secretary General, made the stern warning after meetings with U.S. lawmakers. He called on the leaders of India, China, and Brazil to directly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to take peace negotiations seriously. “So please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India, and on China in a massive way”, Rutte said. His remarks appeared aligned with recent warnings by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has floated the idea of 'biting' secondary sanctions of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil if a peace agreement isn’t reached within 50 days.
India, however, remained resolute in its position. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed the threat and reassured that India has a diversified energy strategy. “We are already expanding our sources – looking at new suppliers like Guyana and continuing imports from reliable partners like Brazil and Canada”, he said. Puri reiterated India’s focus on affordable, accessible, and reliable energy to fuel its economic growth.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, India has significantly increased its purchase of discounted Russian oil. Russian crude now accounts for nearly 40% of India’s total oil imports, compared to less than 2% before the war. The value of these imports crossed $50 billion in 2024-25, making Russia one of India’s key energy suppliers.
The MEA made it clear that India would not be influenced by external threats in deciding how to secure its energy future. “We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following developments”, Jaiswal said. “Let me reiterate our decisions are based on what is in the best interest of our people and economy”.
India’s balanced approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while maintaining ties with both the West and Russia, has come under increasing scrutiny. Yet, New Delhi has stood firm, choosing to prioritize domestic stability and economic resilience.
With growing energy demands and a commitment to affordable supply, India is likely to continue its pragmatic strategy, navigating geopolitical challenges without compromising on national interests.
