International News: India has firmly responded to repeated objections from Western nations over its decision to continue purchasing oil from Russia. In an interview with Times Radio (UK), India’s High Commissioner to Britain, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed the criticism headon, stating, “We cannot simply bring our economy to a halt.”
Europe’s position questioned
Doraiswami highlighted what he called an inconsistency in Europe’s approach. He noted that many European nations are still sourcing rare earth materials and other energy resources from Russia, yet they urge India to stop its trade. “Isn’t it peculiar that they keep buying from Russia themselves but ask us not to?” he asked.
India’s massive oil dependency
India is the thirdlargest oil importer in the world, with nearly 80% of its crude oil needs met through imports. Traditionally, India relied heavily on Central Asian suppliers, but the RussiaUkraine war in 2022 shifted the landscape. With heavy sanctions isolating Moscow, Russia began offering crude to India at significantly reduced prices—prompting India to expand imports and secure affordable energy for its growing economy.
A reminder of IndiaRussia’s historic ties
The High Commissioner also referenced the longstanding relationship between the two countries, recalling,
“When Western countries refused to supply India with weapons and instead armed our neighbors—who later used those weapons against us—Russia stood beside us. Our security and defense partnership with Moscow stretches back decades.”
‘Do you expect us to stop our economy?’
Speaking on the current criticism, Doraiswami was direct: “Global oil prices are surging. India is the world’s thirdlargest oil consumer and depends on imports for fourfifths of its needs. So what should we do? Shut down our economy?”
Holding up a mirror to the West
Doraiswami also reminded Western nations that they maintain ties with countries that sometimes pose challenges for India’s security. He asked, “Have we ever questioned your choices?” Commenting on the RussiaUkraine conflict, he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that “this is not an era of war,” and emphasized India’s hope for an early resolution.
