India has firmly rejected criticism from the US and the European Union regarding its procurement of Russian crude oil, emphasizing that such imports are driven by the necessity to maintain predictable energy costs amidst the global market disruption caused by the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the inconsistency of the West’s stance, noting that while they target India, they themselves continue to engage in trade with Russia, including energy and critical minerals like uranium and palladium. The US previously encouraged India to purchase Russian oil, viewing it as a stabilizing factor in global energy markets, with US officials acknowledging that India’s involvement helped prevent a spike in oil prices. As India asserts its right to safeguard its national interests, it underscores the importance of maintaining energy security for its consumers, revealing a broader geopolitical context where major economies navigate complex dependencies. The assertion of India’s position in this matter illustrates its commitment to economic security while highlighting the double standards in the international approach to trade with Russia.