India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly responded to threats of sanctions from NATO and the potential for secondary tariffs from the United States regarding its oil trade with Russia. The MEA cautioned against "double standards" in global energy policies, emphasizing that securing the energy needs of its population is a top priority.
This response comes after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte directly named India, China, and Brazil, warning that continued business with Russia could have significant negative consequences. Rutte's warning echoed US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of potential 100% tariffs on exports, including oil, from countries that continue to trade with Russia, should Moscow not agree to a peace deal over Ukraine within 50 days.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is guided by market conditions and prevailing global circumstances in its energy procurement. He reiterated that securing the energy needs of the people is an overriding priority. Jaiswal's statement alluded to the fact that European Union members continue to procure oil, LNG, and pipeline gas from Russia despite sanctions and are major buyers of processed products from Indian refineries.
India is currently one of the largest importers of Russian crude oil, with Russian crude accounting for 42% of India's total oil imports, or around 2.08 million barrels per day as of July 2025. Much of this oil is processed by Indian refiners into products that are then exported, including to G7 countries. Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has defended its oil trade with Moscow, citing strategic autonomy and the need to secure affordable energy supplies for its 1.4 billion citizens.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India can arrange alternative supplies if Russian oil exports are sanctioned. He stated that India has diversified its sources of oil and is not worried about potential disruptions. Puri also noted that more oil is entering the global market from countries such as Brazil, Guyana, and Canada, which are not members of OPEC+.
The potential for secondary tariffs from the US has raised concerns about the impact on India's economy. Experts warn that such tariffs could cause a global spike in oil prices. Some analysts believe that Trump's threat of secondary tariffs is a strategic negotiation move and that the tariffs would harm the US as well. They argue that blocking Russia from the global oil trade would cause oil prices to surge, contradicting Trump's objectives of maintaining low energy costs and potentially triggering worldwide inflation.
If the secondary tariffs materialize, they would impose a 100% tariff on products entering the US from countries conducting trade with Russia. This could make Russian crude oil imports a less lucrative option for India, as the increased cost of exporting goods to the US would outweigh any benefits from discounted crude oil prices.
Despite these challenges, India has expressed confidence in its ability to manage the situation. India's Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has asserted the nation's readiness to handle potential disruptions in Russian oil imports, even with possible sanctions from the US and NATO. Alternative suppliers like Guyana, Brazil, and Canada are being explored.
The US has been increasing pressure on nations maintaining trade ties with Russia. Trump's proposed penalties of up to 100% would affect any country or company doing business with Moscow. This move puts India at risk, as it imports over two million barrels of Russian oil daily.
