India rejects NATO Chief's sanctions threat over Russia oil trade, warns against 'double standards'

India on Thursday firmly rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte's recent threat of "100% secondary sanctions" against countries continuing to trade with Russia, particularly in oil and gas. New Delhi asserted that securing its domestic energy needs remains an "overriding priority" and cautioned Western nations against adopting "double standards" on the matter.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a press conference, stated that India's energy policy is guided by prevailing global market scenarios and geopolitical conditions. "We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by what is available in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," Jaiswal emphasized.

Rutte's stern warning, issued after his meeting with US senators on Wednesday, specifically targeted Brazil, China, and India, urging them to cease trade with Russia or face severe economic penalties. He had called on the leaders of these nations to directly urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage seriously in peace talks, implying that failure to do so would result in massive repercussions for their economies.