New Delhi: India categorically dismissed NATO chief Mark Rutte’s threat of “100% secondary sanctions” on countries trading with Russia, particularly in gas and oil, saying that its “overriding priority” is to secure the nation’s energy needs.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that India’s domestic needs depend on the prevailing 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 stated.
MEA’s strong response follows Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s unfazed reaction to Rutte’s warning. Puri said that India could diversify its supplies from countries like Guyana and existing producers like Brazil and Canada.
Just after meeting US senators, Rutte on Wednesday warned Brazil, China and India that they could face serious economic penalties if they continued trading with Russia.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump also warned countries buying Russian oil, saying they could face up to 100 per cent secondary tariffs if Moscow fails to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days.
