India on Thursday firmly rejected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s warning of '100 per cent secondary sanctions' on countries continuing to trade with Russia, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. Stressing that its 'overriding priority' is to secure the country’s energy needs, India defended its trade decisions as being shaped by market realities and global geopolitical conditions.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring the developments and emphasised that its domestic requirements would continue to dictate its energy strategy. He also cautioned Western powers against applying 'double standards' in the matter.
“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.
The MEA’s statement came in the wake of remarks made by NATO’s new chief Mark Rutte, who, during a meeting with U.S. senators on Wednesday, issued a stern warning to India, Brazil, and China. He said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to take peace negotiations with Ukraine seriously, these nations could face up to 100 per cent secondary sanctions for continuing economic engagement with Moscow.
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“If you are the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, or the President of Brazil, and you continue to trade with Russia and buy their oil and gas, then you know: if the man in Moscow doesn't take the peace negotiations seriously, I will impose 100 per cent secondary sanctions,” Rutte warned. He also urged the leaders of the three countries to personally pressure Putin into returning to the negotiating table. “So please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India, and on China in a massive way,” he added.
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India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, meanwhile, appeared unperturbed by the threat. He highlighted India’s options to diversify its energy imports, pointing to emerging suppliers like Guyana and established producers such as Brazil and Canada. Puri’s comments indicated that India is exploring a broad-based strategy to ensure energy security, regardless of Western pressure.
Earlier this week, former US President Donald Trump also echoed similar sentiments, warning countries purchasing Russian oil that they could face steep secondary tariffs if Moscow failed to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days. India has consistently maintained that its energy strategy is dictated by national interest and affordability, and has often defended its oil imports from Russia amid Western criticism following the Ukraine war, which began in 2022.
Also Read: NATO warns India, China of 100% sanctions over trade with Russia
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