India warns nations not to apply ‘double standards’ on Russian oil trade

India Warns Against "Double Standards" in Global Russian Oil Trade

India has issued a sharp rebuke to Western nations over what it calls "double standards" in the trade of Russian oil, demanding fair and consistent global energy policies. Speaking at the G20 Energy Ministers’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized countries that publicly condemn Russian oil imports while continuing to purchase it through indirect channels.  

Jaishankar stressed that India’s decision to buy discounted Russian crude was driven by economic necessity, not political alignment. "Energy security is a fundamental right for all nations. It is hypocritical to impose sanctions on one set of countries while turning a blind eye to others doing the same," he said. His remarks come as global oil markets remain volatile, with many nations struggling to balance geopolitical pressures with domestic fuel affordability.  

Despite Western sanctions, Russian oil exports have remained robust, reaching 3.8 million barrels per day in June 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). While the U.S. and EU officially ban direct imports, reports indicate that refined Russian oil—processed in countries like China and the UAE—still makes its way into Western markets. India, meanwhile, has been transparent about its purchases, using them to curb inflation and ensure stable energy supplies.  

Analysts note that India’s refined fuel exports to Europe have increased by 12% this year, raising questions about the effectiveness of current sanctions. "The reality is that many nations are still reliant on Russian energy, just through different routes," said energy expert Priya Menon. "India is simply refusing to be singled out for a practice that others quietly follow."  

The White House has not directly responded to India’s criticism but reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanctions. Meanwhile, developing nations have increasingly echoed India’s call for a more balanced approach, arguing that wealthy countries cannot dictate energy policies while securing their own supplies through loopholes.  

As the debate over energy fairness intensifies, India’s stance signals a growing resistance to what it sees as Western-dominated trade rules. With global energy demands rising, the Rio summit ended with calls for a more equitable system—one that acknowledges the economic realities faced by emerging economies.  

For now, India’s message is unambiguous: "Either apply the rules equally or allow nations to act in their people’s best interests without hypocrisy."