India's Foreign Policy Assertion: Resisting Western Pressure on Russia Trade
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-US, India-Russia, India-EU, Strategic Autonomy), Indian Economy (Tariffs, Sanctions).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Essay: Topics on India's Foreign Policy, Strategic Autonomy, Changing Global Order.
Key Highlights from the News
India strongly opposed the tariffs and sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the European Union (EU) on Indian imports due to India's purchase of Russian oil.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that "targeting" India is unjustified and unreasonable.
India pointed out, with supporting data, that the U.S. and the EU, who criticize India, continue to trade with Russia on a larger scale than India.
India also clarified that the U.S. itself had previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to ensure stability in the global energy market.
The government announced that ensuring affordable energy for its citizens is a vital national compulsion for India, and all necessary steps will be taken to protect it.
This stance makes it clear that India's sovereignty to decide which country to trade with is non-negotiable.
India's relationship with the U.S. is deteriorating on several issues, including trade with Russia, migration, and BRICS membership.
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