Subtitle:
Foreign Ministry rejects perceived double standards as India defends its sovereign trade decisions
Content:
India has responded sharply to comments made by NATO leadership warning member countries against continuing trade ties with Russia. In an official statement, the Indian government accused NATO of applying double standards, arguing that trade decisions should not be politicized or selectively judged.
“We exercise sovereign judgment. Trade choices are based on national interests and not selective external prescriptions,” the Indian Foreign Ministry stated. India emphasized that its relations with Russia, including energy and defense trade, are legitimate and longstanding, and should not be undermined by geopolitical bias.
The caution from NATO had referenced wider international pressure on countries maintaining economic engagement with Moscow. However, India insisted that it operates under its own foreign policy principles, advocating balanced diplomacy and fairness in global trade norms.
While reaffirming support for multilateral principles, India made clear it opposes any approach that singles out transactions with Russia while ignoring similar engagement by other countries. Officials highlighted ongoing cooperation with Western nations and stressed that all partners must be held to equal standards.
Observers expect India to continue maintaining its trade framework with Russia, particularly in sectors like fertilizer and energy, while enhancing ties with European and global markets. The country’s stance underscores a broader message: global governance must be anchored in equitable and consistent principles, not geopolitical favoritism.