India rejects Nato chief’s threat of secondary sanctions over ties with Russia

NEW DELHI: In a firm response to Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte’s threat of secondary sanctions over New Delhi’s ties with Moscow, India on Thursday cautioned against “double standards” on the matter and asserted that its energy procurement from Russia is based on national interests and market dynamics.

Rutt had warned India, China and Brazil that they could be hit hard by secondary sanctions if they continue to do business with Russia.

“We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

“In this endeavour, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter,” he said.

Asked about US President Donald Trump threatening 100 per cent tariff on Russian exports and “secondary tariffs” on any country that has trade links with Moscow, Jaiswal said: “We are closely following developments that are in this regard, and the articulations that are being made.”

India, China and Brazil have been the major buyers of Russian crude oil notwithstanding the Western sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.