New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday pushed back against the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief’s remarks on possible secondary sanctions over India’s trade with Russia, warning against “double standards.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, at the media briefing in Delhi, said, “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.”
Warning against double standards, Jaiswal said, “In this endeavour, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”
The Ministry of External Affairs’ remarks follow a statement by NATO chief Mark Rutte, who, during a press conference in Washington alongside US Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen, urged India, China and Brazil to reconsider their economic ties with Moscow, or risk facing “100 per cent secondary sanctions” if Russia fails to engage in peace talks.
Rutte echoed US President Donald Trump’s stance earlier this week, warning of steep tariffs on nations continuing trade with Russia.
“My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or in Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard,” Rutte had said.
He further urged these nations to push Russia towards peace negotiations, saying, “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.”
The statement comes after President Trump announced fresh military aid for Ukraine, including air defence systems, missiles and ammunition, largely backed by European allies. He also issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to begin serious peace talks or face full secondary sanctions.