India’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, has sharply criticized the growing pressure from Western countries urging India to stop purchasing oil from Russia. Speaking during a panel discussion at a diplomatic event in London, the envoy questioned the logic behind such demands and emphasized India's right to prioritize its own energy security.
Doraiswami’s comments come at a time when Western countries, particularly members of the G7, have been attempting to limit Russia’s oil revenues in response to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. India, however, has continued importing Russian crude, often at discounted rates, arguing that it serves the nation’s economic and strategic interests.
The envoy posed a direct question to critics: “Are we expected to switch off our economy simply to satisfy moral or political goals set by others?” He argued that such expectations ignore the ground realities of a developing country with a population of over 1.4 billion, where affordable energy is essential for growth and stability.
India has repeatedly defended its decision to maintain energy ties with Russia, noting that its oil imports are a fraction of global consumption and that it is acting well within its rights as a sovereign nation. Officials have also highlighted that India has diversified its energy sources in recent years and remains committed to global climate goals, but not at the cost of economic harm.
The ambassador also pointed out the inconsistencies in the Western position, stating that many countries that criticize India continue to engage in trade with Russia in various forms. “There is a certain degree of selectivity in how rules are applied. This undermines the credibility of the global order,” he said.
India’s stance has also been echoed by top ministers and energy officials. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has earlier remarked that Europe itself has dramatically increased imports of Russian gas in different forms, making criticism of India’s oil purchases hypocritical.
Moreover, India has justified its imports as purely economic, not political. The Indian government has stated that its oil purchases are based on where it can get the best deal to serve its citizens. With global oil prices fluctuating and inflation concerns rising, ensuring a steady and affordable energy supply remains a key priority for New Delhi.
The remarks by Ambassador Doraiswami have been viewed as part of a broader diplomatic strategy to assert India’s autonomy in foreign policy. As geopolitical alignments shift, India has maintained a careful balancing act — engaging with the West on security and trade while preserving strategic partnerships with Russia and other traditional allies.
India’s position is also gaining understanding among some international observers who acknowledge that expecting developing nations to bear the cost of geopolitical standoffs is both unrealistic and unfair. The broader message from New Delhi is clear — India will make decisions based on national interest, not external pressure.
