Energy first: India rejects Nato chief's sanctions threat over Russia oil trade

20-Jul-2025

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India on July 17 dismissed NATO chief Mark Rutte's threat of "100% secondary sanctions" on countries trading with Russia, particularly in gas and oil, stating that its "overriding priority" is to secure the nation’s energy needs.

Commenting on the matter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India's domestic needs depend on the current market scenario and geopolitical conditions, and warned the West against adopting any "double standards."

"We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," Jaiswal said.