Delhi Calls Out London's 'Double Standards' As UK Sanctions 90 New Entities Including India's on Russian Energy Trade | What We Know

New Delhi: India on Thursday stated that it does not subscribe to the unilateral sanctions announced by the United Kingdom (UK) targeting Russian oil companies and an Indian firm, emphasising that the provision

of energy security is a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens.Addressing the UK sanctions matter during the weekly presser, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have noted the latest sanctions announced by the UK... We do not subscribe to any unilateral sanctions. The Government of India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens... We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade."

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What Are UK's Latest Sanctions on Russia, India and China?

The United Kingdom announced 90 new sanctions targeting Russian oil companies and firms linked to its energy trade, aiming to curb avenues that fund Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine.The sanctions were imposed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which stated its intent to strike at the heart of Moscow’s funding.

Why UK has Sanctioned Russia?

In a statement, the FCDO said that today’s action demonstrates the government’s determination to cut off Putin’s revenue streams by targeting Russian companies and their global enablers.Not just Russia and India, but China — the largest importer of Russian oil — has also come under the UK’s radar, with four of its oil terminals included in the sanctions.The sanctions also cover a fleet of 44 oil tankers that are part of the shadow fleet transporting Russian oil. UK claims that a total of 100 million barrels of Russian oil, worth over $5 billion, have been imported in 2024.

Meanwhile, Indian entity Nayara Energy, who have been penalised by UK, stated that it operates in full compliance with Indian laws and regulations. As an Indian company, it is deeply committed to supporting the nation’s energy security and fostering economic growth, TOI reported.In another statement, according to TOI, Nayara Energy termed the sanctions as a unilateral move by the European Union, based on baseless assertions and representing an undue extension of authority that ignores both international law and India’s sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the UK has clarified that its sanctions are aimed at targeting Russian oil giants, including Rosneft and Lukoil.This development has come after India and UK have already signed a trade agreement, which according to many is London's biggest trade deal with any nation so far.