New Delhi, August 5, 2025
India has strongly rejected criticism from the United States and the European Union over its continued trade relations with Russia, calling the remarks “unjustified” and “unreasonable.” In a firm statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday, the government asserted its sovereign right to pursue economic engagements that align with its national interests.
The response comes after renewed Western pressure urging New Delhi to scale back energy imports and other commercial ties with Moscow amid ongoing tensions linked to the Ukraine conflict.
“India will not accept external dictates on matters concerning its strategic autonomy,” the statement read. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard our national interests and ensure economic security for our people.”
India has defended its purchases of Russian oil and fertilizers as essential to meeting domestic demand, especially in a time of global market volatility. Officials also emphasised that India’s trade with Russia is conducted in compliance with international law and does not violate any sanctions imposed by the UN.
As global power dynamics shift, India continues to balance its relationships with the West and Russia — a strategy analysts say reflects its long-standing tradition of non-alignment and pragmatic diplomacy.
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