India defends Russian oil imports and calls out Western trade with Moscow

India criticized the United States and the European Union on Monday for continuing trade with Russia at the same time that U.S. President Donald Trump demands New Delhi stop buying Russian oil.

Writing on X, India’s Ministry of External Affairs explained that India began purchasing Russian energy only after traditional suppliers redirected their oil to Europe following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It noted that at the time, the U.S. “actively encouraged” India’s imports of Russian oil “for strengthening global energy markets stability.”

The ministry also pointed out that U.S. and E.U. trade with Russia far exceeds the volume of Russia–India trade.

“It is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the statement said.

Trump has threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on imports to the U.S. from countries that continue buying energy from Russia if Moscow doesn’t agree to a ceasefire by August 8.

The U.S. president has singled out India several times over the last week. New Delhi has said it will continue buying Russian oil despite Trump’s threats.