What India said to the questions raised by US and EU on the issue of importing oil from Russia
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to the questions raised by the US and the European Union on the issue of importing oil from Russia.
MEA's official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said through a post on social media X, "India has been targeted by the US and the European Union on the issue of importing oil from Russia since the Ukraine conflict began. In fact, India started importing oil from Russia because after the conflict the traditional supply was diverted to Europe."
"At that time, the US itself encouraged India to make such imports so that the stability of the world oil market could remain strong."
Randhir Jaiswal has written, "India imports to provide cheap and stable energy to its consumers. This is a compulsion of the global market conditions. But it is noteworthy that the countries that are criticizing India are themselves trading with Russia. Like India, this trade is not a necessary compulsion for their countries."
Randhir Jaiswal said that Europe-Russia trade includes not only energy, but also fertilizers, mineral products, chemicals, iron and steel as well as machinery and transport goods.
He has said, "As far as America is concerned, it still imports uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, fertilizers and chemicals."
Randhir Jaiswal said that therefore targeting India is unfair and irrational. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” he added.
Prakash Kumar Pandey