India Objects to US and EU Criticism Over Oil Imports from Russia

India has objected to criticism from the United States and the European Union (EU) over its decision to import oil from Russia, calling it "unjustified and unreasonable." The Indian government has argued that its energy imports from Russia are essential to maintaining affordable fuel prices for its consumers. This stance has been taken in response to US President Donald Trump's threat to impose higher tariffs on India for its oil trade with Russia. The Indian government has pointed out the disparity in trade volumes between India and the EU with Russia, with the EU having a significantly larger trade volume in both goods and services.

Key Takeaways:

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly objected to criticism from the US and EU over its oil imports from Russia.
The Indian government has stated that its energy imports from Russia are essential to ensuring affordable fuel prices for its consumers.
The US had encouraged India to purchase discounted Russian oil in 2023 to stabilize global energy markets.
India's trade with Russia in 2024 was significantly lower than the EU's trade volume with Russia in the same year.
The EU had a bilateral trade of 67.5 billion euros in goods with Russia in 2024 and an estimated 17.2 billion euros in services in 2023.
Indian government spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the disparity in trade volumes between India and the EU with Russia.

Statistics:

India's oil imports from Russia in 2024: Not specified.
EU's bilateral trade with Russia in goods in 2024: 67.5 billion euros.
EU's trade in services with Russia in 2023: 17.2 billion euros.
India's total trade with Russia in 2023: Not specified.

Sources:

Xinhua News Agency via COMTEX, "India on Monday objected to the United States and the European Union (EU) targeting it for importing oil from Russia," August 5, 2025.