India on Friday strongly criticized the European Union’s latest sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy sector, emphasizing that there should be no “double standards” in global energy trade and reaffirming its rejection of unilateral sanctions.
The statement came after the EU unveiled its 18th round of sanctions against Moscow, which included new restrictions on refined petroleum products made from Russian crude—regardless of their third-country origin—and designated India’s Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, where Russian energy giant Rosneft holds a 49.13% stake.
Reacting to the announcement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations.” He further asserted that ensuring energy security remains a top priority for the Indian government.
“We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade,” Jaiswal added, defending India’s right to secure affordable energy supplies for its citizens amid volatile global markets.
The EU’s new measures also include a reduction in the oil price cap from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel and sanctions on 105 additional vessels and entities, including players in Russia’s shadow fleet and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. A notable inclusion is Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery, identified as a key customer of Russian oil and one of Rosneft’s largest international assets.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas claimed the measures are part of the bloc’s toughest sanctions yet, aimed at weakening Russia’s war machinery and sustaining pressure until it ends the war in Ukraine.
India has repeatedly opposed external pressure on its energy engagements, maintaining that its crude oil imports—especially from Russia—are based on legitimate contracts and commercial necessity, not geopolitics.
The latest diplomatic flashpoint underscores growing tensions between India’s energy security needs and Western attempts to isolate Russia economically amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
