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| Foto:Vistorbelitung/ The controversy erupted after NATO Chief Mark Rutte, during a visit to Washington, issued a stark warning to major importers of Russian energy |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,NEW DELHI, India – India has unequivocally rejected a blunt threat from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who reportedly warned of "100% secondary tariffs" on countries, including India, China, and Brazil, if they continue to purchase Russian oil. New Delhi's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) delivered a scathing response, asserting that India's energy security remains its "top priority" and firmly cautioning against "double standards" from Western powers.
The controversy erupted after NATO Chief Mark Rutte, during a visit to Washington, issued a stark warning to major importers of Russian energy, implying that severe economic repercussions awaited them if Russia did not seriously engage in peace talks regarding the conflict in Ukraine within a specified timeframe. This echoes similar sentiments from figures like President Donald Trump, who also alluded to punitive measures for nations continuing trade with Moscow.
India's External Affairs Ministry, through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, minced no words in its rebuttal. "Our energy security is our top priority, guided by global realities," Jaiswal stated, adding pointedly, "We strongly caution against double standards." This statement underscores India's long-standing position that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interests and market dynamics, not by external pressure or geopolitical diktats.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri further reinforced India's resolute stance, expressing confidence that India is well-equipped to manage its energy requirements even if Russian crude supplies were to be disrupted by such secondary sanctions. Puri highlighted India's successful diversification of its oil import sources, expanding from approximately 27 countries to around 40, including new suppliers like Guyana, Brazil, and Canada.
"I'm not worried at all. If something happens, we'll deal with it," Puri declared, emphasizing that India has built "navigational resilience" in its energy sourcing. He also noted the global implications of such sanctions, suggesting that disrupting Russian oil, which constitutes about 10% of global production, would inevitably lead to skyrocketing prices, affecting consumers worldwide.
India has consistently maintained that its purchases of discounted Russian crude have not only benefited its own economy but have also contributed to stabilizing global energy prices. Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Russia accounted for less than 2% of India's total oil imports; however, it has since become India's top supplier, driven by competitive pricing.
The MEA's strong pushback also implicitly references the perceived hypocrisy of some Western nations, many of whom have themselves continued to procure Russian energy, either directly or indirectly, despite imposing sanctions. India's message is clear: it will not accept lectures or compromises on its fundamental right to secure affordable energy for its burgeoning population.
This latest exchange highlights the widening geopolitical fault lines as India, a rising global power, navigates its strategic autonomy amidst increasing pressure from Western blocs. New Delhi's firm rejection of the tariff threat signals its determination to prioritize its national interests and resist external influence in its foreign and economic policies.