There are tensions between New Delhi and Washington over Russian oil imports into India. On Tuesday, the Indian Army highlights western hypocrisy. They remembered how the United States once backed Pakistan during the 1971 war.
The Social media post from Indian Army titled “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #knowFacts,” was shared a day after India pushed back strongly. They pushed back against US tariffs threat over Indian products. There were also threats of penalties due to New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow. India highlighted the western hypocrisy calling the criticism from the US and EU as “unjustified and unreasonable.”
“The United States and the European Union have targeted India. This is due to India importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India started importing from Russia. This happened because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict,” the MEA said.
Also read: Oil, Allies and Accusations: US Hypocrisy Over Indian Imports of Russian Oil
MEA’s Response to Trump
The MEA highlighted that “Washington initially actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy market stability.”
The post was released only after Trump criticized Indian imports of Russian crude. He blamed India for indirectly sparking off the Ukrainian conflict. This was in return for discounted oil prices from Russia to India.
India reacted by highlighting the west’s double standards. While west criticized India for its actions they themselves were engaged in large scale trade with Russia. In 2024, The EU’s LNG imports from Russia reached a record 16.5 million tonnes. It’s total trade in goods with Russia stood at €67.5 billion, far more than the total trade of New Delhi with Moscow.
Similarly, the US continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers and chemicals.
India reiterated that Indian energy imports are dictated by national interest and market realities. “Like any major economies, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.”
Whereas Trump claims on social media that “India is buying massive amounts of Russian oil ” and selling it in the open market for big profits”, adding “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine.”
