Archive · 31 Jul 2025
US and EU Criticize India Over Russian Oil Purchases
India is buying a lot more oil from Russia, which is cheaper than oil from other places.
The US and EU are not happy because Russia is at war with Ukraine.
They are worried that India is helping Russia by buying oil.
Some Western countries are even talking about punishing India with extra taxes.
India says it has to buy oil to keep its economy running.
It also points out that many Western countries still buy Russian oil.
The situation has exposed double standards and potential hypocrisy in global trade.
India's imports of Russian oil have increased significantly since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
The US and EU have criticized India's oil purchases and threatened sanctions or tariffs.
India's External Affairs Minister defended the purchases as a way to stabilize the energy market.
The EU's sanctions package targets India-based Nayara Energy and its refinery.
The West continues to import Russian fossil fuels while criticizing India.
- Who
- India, Russia, the US, and the EU.
- What
- Increased scrutiny and potential sanctions on India's Russian oil imports.
- When
- Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
- Where
- Impacting trade between India, the US, EU, and Russia.
- Why
- India is buying discounted Russian oil; the US and EU aim to pressure Russia.
Western Perspective
Indian Perspective
Trade and Sanctions
Western Perspective
India's purchase of Russian oil undermines efforts to pressure Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Indian Perspective
India is securing its energy needs by purchasing discounted Russian oil.
Hypocrisy
Western Perspective
Western nations are upholding principles against aggression and supporting Ukraine.
Indian Perspective
The West exhibits double standards by criticizing India while continuing to import Russian fossil fuels.
- India's crude oil dependency (2023-24)
- 89%
- Russia's share of India's crude oil imports (July)
- 42%
- Value of Russian oil imported by India since the Ukraine War
- Rs 1.5 lakh crore
- EU aid to Ukraine
- €59.6 billion
- EU imports of Russian fossil fuels (third year of war)
- €21.9 billion
Sources
India’s POL export earnings from EU may slip below $14 billion, a first since FY23
Sanctions Saga: Does The West Expect India To Pay For Its Own Russia Fiasco?
Trump imposes 25% tariff plus penalty on Indian imports: How it compares to other nations
Trump’s 25% tariffs on India: A badge of honour for New Delhi’s refusal to bend to US bullying
Is India prepared for Trump's tariff penalty for buying Russian oil? What oil minister Puri had said
From 0.2% to 40%: How Russian crude became India’s top oil source and invited Trump’s tariff heat
India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs
‘Russia’ fine: a strong message to cut reliance; tariff poses a headwind to growth
