🇮🇳⚖️ India’s Response to EU Sanctions on Russia: A Sovereign Stand on Energy Security
✍️ By Suryavanshi IAS | For GS Paper 2 & 3 | International Relations | Energy Diplomacy | Geopolitics
📰 Introduction
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again reiterated a long-standing foreign policy position: non-subscription to unilateral sanctions. This stance came into focus after the European Union (EU) announced its 18th package of sanctions on Russia, which notably included Gujarat-based Nayara Energy’s Vadinar Refinery, in which Russian energy giant Rosneft holds a major stake.
This blog unpacks the issue, linking it to India’s foreign policy doctrine, energy security imperatives, and geopolitical balancing.
🛢️ Context: EU’s 18th Sanctions Package
On July 18, 2025, the EU adopted one of its “strongest sanctions packages” targeting:
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A lower oil price cap on Russian exports
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Ban on petroleum products refined from Russian crude oil
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Designation of Nayara Energy's Vadinar Refinery in India
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Restrictions on 105 vessels in the so-called “shadow fleet”
This move is part of continued Western pressure against Russia’s war in Ukraine.
🇮🇳 India’s Stand: Legal, Consistent, and Strategic
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a firm response:
"India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures and remains committed to its legal obligations."
"Energy security is a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of Indian citizens."
"There should be no double standards when it comes to energy trade."
🔍 What Are Unilateral Sanctions?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unilateral Sanctions | Sanctions imposed by a country/group (e.g., EU, US) without UN approval |
| Multilateral Sanctions | Sanctions endorsed by international bodies like the UN Security Council (UNSC) |
🔑 Core Issues Involved
1. Energy Security as a Sovereign Right
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Over 85% of India’s crude oil is imported.
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Russia has emerged as a major supplier, offering discounted crude post-2022.
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Disruption threatens inflation control, electricity, transport, and rural livelihood.
2. Strategic Autonomy in Foreign Policy
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India balances ties with:
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Russia (defence, energy)
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Western Bloc (trade, QUAD, tech)
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India’s position reflects a modern non-alignment, often called “strategic autonomy”.
3. Opposing Double Standards
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While India is criticized, several Western nations continue indirect trade with Russia.
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This hypocrisy undermines the credibility of sanctions and global governance.
🌐 India's Global Image and Diplomacy
This assertive response enhances India’s image as a principled global actor, defending:
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Sovereignty
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Rule-based order
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National interest over bloc politics
🧭 Implications for India
| Sector | Impact |
|---|---|
| Energy Sector | Pressure on oil supply, rising insurance/shipping risks |
| Trade Relations | Possible friction with EU, though dialogue continues |
| Investment Climate | Indian companies linked to Russia face global scrutiny |
| Diplomatic Position | Reinforces India’s balanced, independent voice in world affairs |
📚 UPSC GS Paper Linkages
| GS Paper | Topic |
|---|---|
| GS 2 | India and the World, International Institutions, Global Groupings |
| GS 3 | Energy Security, External Sector, Effects of Globalization |
| Essay Paper | "Sovereignty vs Global Pressure", "Energy as a Tool of Diplomacy" |
🧠 UPSC Mains Questions
Q1. India’s response to unilateral sanctions reflects its strategic autonomy in foreign policy. Critically analyse in the context of EU sanctions on Russia.
Q2. Examine how geopolitical developments can affect India's energy security and external sector performance.
🗺️ Map-Based Note
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Highlight Vadinar Port in Gujarat
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Russia's energy export routes: Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Arctic
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Indian Ocean energy supply lanes
📌 Quick Revision Sticky Notes
🟡 India's Position: Follows only UN-backed sanctions
🟡 Why Nayara is Targeted: Rosneft (Russia) owns ~49% stake
🟡 MEA Message: “No Double Standards on Energy”
🟡 Sanction Tool Used: Designation, Shipping Limits, Price Cap
🟡 Strategic Lens: Sovereignty | Non-Alignment | National Interest
🧾 Conclusion
India’s refusal to yield to EU pressure is not an act of defiance, but a sovereign, strategic choice rooted in legal norms, energy justice, and balanced diplomacy. As global tensions rise, India’s role as a decisive yet principled actor in international relations continues to strengthen.
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