India has firmly pushed back against the European Union's (EU) latest sanctions package targeting Russia, asserting its sovereign right to pursue energy security and calling out the "double standards" in the EU's approach to energy trade. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated clearly that India does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries or blocs.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed India's position, emphasizing the nation's commitment to its legal obligations and highlighting the importance of energy security to meet the basic needs of its citizens. Jaiswal stressed that there should be no double standards, especially regarding energy trade.

The EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia, implemented in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, has sparked concerns in India. The package includes measures targeting an Indian oil refinery owned by Rosneft, a Russian state-owned energy company, as well as tighter banking curbs, restrictions on fuel products made from Russian crude, and a lowered price cap on Russian oil. Rosneft holds a 49.13% stake in Nayara Energy Ltd, which operates a large refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat, with an annual capacity of 20 million tonnes, and runs over 6,750 fuel stations across India.

India's strong response reflects its consistent stance on unilateral sanctions. The country has maintained that it will make its own decisions based on its national interests and will continue to engage with Russia, particularly in areas such as energy, despite external pressure. India's External Affairs Ministry has stated that securing the energy needs of its people is an overriding priority, guiding its actions in the global market, and it has cautioned against double standards on the issue.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has affirmed that India has diversified its sources for buying oil in the global market and is not unduly worried about potential impacts on Russian oil exports. He noted that India now buys oil from 40 nations, compared to 27 in 2007, indicating the country's resilience in navigating the global energy market.

The MEA spokesperson also addressed the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, stating that they are progressing with good momentum and that both sides aim to conclude the agreement within the year.

India's firm stance on unilateral sanctions and its emphasis on energy security underscore its commitment to independent foreign policy and its determination to safeguard its economic interests in a complex global landscape.