India slams EU sanctions targeting Gujarat refinery

By Admin

19 Jul, 2025

In a sharp and unequivocal response, India has strongly criticized the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia, which, for the first time, includes punitive measures impacting Indian infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced its disapproval on Friday, firmly rejecting the EU’s unilateral move to target a Rosneft-linked oil refinery located in Gujarat.

The sanctions are part of the EU’s 14th package aimed at curbing Russia’s economic power amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The wide-ranging package tightens banking restrictions, imposes stricter regulations on shadow fleet shipping, lowers the existing oil price cap, and, significantly, includes sanctions on the Nayara Energy refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat. The refinery, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per year, is partly owned by Russian energy giant Rosneft, which holds a 49.13% stake.

India Rejects Unilateral Sanctions

In a statement, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal firmly reiterated India’s position:
“We have noted the latest sanctions announced by the European Union. India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations.”

India emphasized that it only recognizes sanctions imposed under the United Nations framework and not unilateral moves by individual states or blocs. The targeting of an Indian refinery under such a framework was called unjust and a challenge to India's economic sovereignty.

Threat to Fuel Exports and Energy Security

The EU’s sanctions could potentially prevent Nayara Energy from exporting refined products like diesel and petrol to European countries. India responded by stressing the critical importance of energy access for its population and reaffirmed its long-held position on energy sovereignty.

“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,” Jaiswal added.

Impact of Lowered Oil Price Cap

Ironically, the EU’s move to lower the oil price cap currently set at USD 60 per barrel may have unintended consequences. As the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian oil, India could benefit by accessing Russian crude at even more competitive rates. This adds complexity to the EU’s efforts to tighten the economic noose around Russia while trying to avoid global disruptions in energy supply.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Diplomacy and Sovereignty

India’s strong reaction underscores its commitment to upholding national interest while balancing its diplomatic engagements. By denouncing the EU’s unilateral actions, India has once again emphasized the need for fair, inclusive, and multilateral approaches to global challenges especially in sectors as vital as energy.

As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, India’s stance reaffirms a broader message: that sovereign nations must retain the right to make decisions that prioritize the welfare of their citizens without interference from unilateral global directives.