India Defends Russian Oil Imports Amid Western Criticism: High Commissioner Doraiswami Responds to Geopolitical Pressure

 London, July 28 — Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, has firmly defended India’s continued energy ties with Russia, asserting that geopolitical concerns cannot come at the cost of India’s economic stability. His remarks come amid sustained Western scrutiny over New Delhi’s energy imports from Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In an interview with the UK’s Times Radio, Doraiswami challenged what he described as a “double standard” by some Western nations, noting that several of India’s European partners continue to engage in energy and rare earth trade with countries from which they expect India to disengage.

“We have a relationship that is based on a number of metrics,” Doraiswami said, responding to questions about India’s ties with Russia and its rapport with President Vladimir Putin. “One of these is a long-standing security partnership that dates back to a time when some of our current Western partners were unwilling to supply us with critical defence equipment — while simultaneously arming our adversaries.”

He further emphasized that India’s energy relationship with Russia is largely shaped by necessity and market dynamics. “We have been effectively displaced from parts of the global energy market due to the procurement choices of others, which has driven prices up significantly,” Doraiswami said. “India is the world’s third-largest consumer of energy. We import over 80% of our energy needs. What would you have us do? Switch off our economy?”

The High Commissioner also pointed to what he termed selective engagement by Western nations. “Many countries continue relationships of convenience with nations that pose strategic challenges to India. Do we then ask you for a loyalty test?” he asked pointedly.

India has significantly ramped up its purchase of Russian crude since Western sanctions took effect. In the first half of 2025, India imported approximately 1.75 million barrels of oil per day from Russia — a 1% increase compared to the same period last year. Much of this oil has been acquired at discounted rates, helping cushion India’s economy against global price volatility.

Doraiswami’s comments come just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential sanctions against countries continuing to buy Russian exports, unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal within 50 days — a move widely seen as aimed at further isolating Russia economically.

India, however, has consistently argued for a pragmatic, multi-aligned foreign policy, maintaining that its national interests — particularly economic and energy security — cannot be subordinated to external geopolitical pressure.