India Rejects NATO’s Oil Warning, Reaffirms Energy Security as Sovereign Priority

New Delhi Rebuffs Pressure to Halt Russian Oil Imports

India has firmly responded to recent remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who warned that nations such as India, China, and Brazil could face steep secondary sanctions, including 100% tariffs, if they continue purchasing Russian oil. These comments, made ahead of the NATO summit, were intended to further isolate Russia amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine. However, India has asserted its sovereign right to secure energy at affordable prices, emphasizing that national interest and energy security will remain its foremost priority.

Speaking to the press, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is guided by its energy needs, market dynamics, and national welfare, rather than the geopolitical expectations of any external alliance. He further warned against the imposition of double standards and underscored that New Delhi would continue sourcing crude oil from countries that offer the most favorable terms.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reacts to NATO chief’s Russian oil remark. (ANI File) | Hindustan Times

Strategic Energy Diplomacy Amid Global Pressures

India's petroleum and natural gas minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, echoed the country's resilience in facing any potential sanctions. He pointed out that India has already diversified its sources of oil procurement, increasing the number of supplier nations from 27 to over 40. Countries like Guyana, Brazil, and the United States have become new energy partners, reducing dependency on any single country. Minister Puri assured that even in the worst-case scenario of sanctions, India is confident in its ability to manage supplies and maintain stable energy prices.

Over the past year, India has steadily increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil. In the first half of 2025, these imports averaged around 1.75 million barrels per day—comprising nearly 35% of the country’s total oil imports. Private refiners such as Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy have particularly benefited from these discounted rates, allowing them to optimize margins while helping the government contain inflation.

National Interest Over External Alignment

India has repeatedly emphasized that its engagement in global trade—particularly in energy—is both legal and transparent. It has not violated any international sanctions and has only sought to maintain a balance between national economic priorities and global diplomatic sensitivities. Indian policymakers argue that access to affordable oil is essential for managing inflation, stabilizing the rupee, and ensuring energy access for the population, especially the vulnerable.

The current Western narrative, led by NATO, appears to frame the purchase of Russian oil as an act of defiance. However, India sees it differently—as a practical economic decision made in the interest of 1.4 billion citizens. Officials have further noted that many European nations themselves continued to buy Russian energy for extended periods even after the Ukraine conflict escalated, making Western warnings appear selective and inconsistent.

Strategic Autonomy and Balanced Global Engagement

India's response is consistent with its broader foreign policy framework of strategic autonomy. While maintaining close diplomatic, defense, and economic ties with the United States and European powers, New Delhi also upholds long-standing relationships with Russia, Iran, and other non-Western nations. This balanced approach allows India to pursue its national goals without becoming entangled in global blocs or power rivalries.

Energy policy is a key part of this equation. By refusing to yield to pressure from NATO and the United States, India is reinforcing its commitment to independent decision-making. The government has also highlighted that it continues to explore peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy—without compromising its own economic and strategic interests.

Expert Opinions and Domestic Support

Think tanks such as the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) have backed the Indian government’s stance, arguing that energy security should not be compromised to please foreign powers. GTRI urged policymakers to continue sourcing oil from Russia as long as it helps in keeping domestic prices low and inflation in check. Economists have pointed out that had India refrained from Russian oil purchases, global oil prices may have surged further, causing ripple effects across developing economies.

Indian citizens and industrial stakeholders have largely supported the government’s policy, as lower fuel prices have helped ease the burden on transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. The broader sentiment within the country appears to align with the government’s view that national interest cannot be sacrificed to satisfy foreign demands, especially during an era of global volatility and uncertain supply chains.

Conclusion: Energy Sovereignty as a Pillar of Policy

India’s steadfast rejection of NATO’s pressure regarding Russian oil imports illustrates a deeper principle: the defense of sovereign decision-making in the face of external coercion. As global geopolitics becomes more polarized, India has demonstrated its ability to navigate these waters with maturity and balance. By prioritizing affordable energy, strengthening its economic foundation, and maintaining strategic flexibility, India is setting an example for emerging economies—asserting that long-term development and national well-being must always come first.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, Money Control)