India’s High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami in Britain has given a befitting reply to the criticism of Western countries for oil imports from Russia. He said that India, which is the third largest oil importer in the world, cannot stop its economy. In an interview with Times Radio, Doraiswami questioned the double parameters of Western countries, saying that many European countries are also buying rare earth and other energy products from Russia, yet India is trying to prevent India from doing so.
Doraiswami said that Russia started supply of oil to India at concessional rates due to Western sanctions after the Ukraine War. India, which is dependent on imports for its more than 80% energy requirements, took advantage of the opportunity. He said, “Our energy needs are very high. Do you want us to stop our economy?” He also mentioned that India had to turn to Russia due to a decrease in supply and cost from India’s traditional oil supplier countries.
The High Commissioner dismissed the criticisms of western countries, saying that many countries in Europe are buying energy products from Russia, yet India is being pressurized to follow sanctions. He raised the question, “Isn’t it a little strange that you are buying yourself what you want to stop us from buying?”[]
Referring to the long -standing security relations between India and Russia, Doraiswami said that the relations are from the time when the western countries did not sell weapons to India, but used to supply weapons to neighboring countries, which were used against India.
In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, Doraiswami reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that “this is not the era of war”. He said that Modi has spoken on the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodimir Jailnsky.
Vikram Doraiswami strongly defended India’s energy policy and clarified that India would prioritize its economic needs. His comments not only strengthened India’s position, but also highlighted the double standards of Western countries in global energy trade. This statement underlines the importance of India-UK relations and India’s independent foreign policy.
