Microsoft restores services, Delhi HC closes Nayara Energy's plea
Nayara Energy — an Indo-Russian oil refining and marketing company — had approached the court after being suddenly locked out of its Microsoft account, disrupting critical business operations.
Also Read | CEO of Russia-backed Indian refiner Nayara Energy resigns after E.U. sanctions, sources say
The company contended that Microsoft's unilateral action was based solely on its interpretation of recent European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia, despite Nayara being an Indian entity.
At the outset of the hearing, counsel for Nayara Energy told the court that 'the matter is resolved because they (Microsoft) have restored all services.' The court then allowed Nayara to withdraw the petition, granting liberty to approach the court again should Microsoft take similar action in the future.
Senior advocates Rajiv Nayyar and Dayan Krishnan, appearing for Nayara, argued that Microsoft had acted without notice and urged the court to record that any future termination of services should not be abrupt. 'At least they should give 3–4 days' notice before terminating. There can't be an abrupt shutting,' the lawyers said.
Narrating the background, Mr. Krishnan said, 'Originally, there were servers. Then the Ukraine war started. They (Microsoft) came to us to move to cloud servers. We were apprehensive. They assured us: 'Don't worry, the Indian entity will not be affected by any of these (sanctions).' After that, this has happened.'
Microsoft's counsel said the service has been restored but further clarified that no assurances could be given for the future. 'They (Nayara) are a sanctioned entity by the EU. We have restored today, but I can't make these statements for the future,' Microsoft's counsel submitted.
Taking note of the developments, the court observed, 'Earlier, without notice, they had shut their services. You came to court. Now they have restored it. The grievance stands mitigated. In the future, we believe they would not do the same exercise, and as and when they intend to, they will perhaps give you notice. If they don't, you can come back to court.'
In a recent press statement Nayara had said, 'While the sanctions originate exclusively from the EU, Microsoft—a U.S.-headquartered corporation—has chosen to withdraw services from Nayara Energy without any legal requirement to do so under U.S. or Indian law'.
According to a Microsoft spokesperson, 'Microsoft is committed to supporting all its customers in India and worldwide, and has restored services for Nayara Energy. We are engaged in ongoing discussions with the European Union towards service continuity for the organization.'
Nayara Energy said it is a vital contributor to India's energy security, accounting for approximately 8% of the country's total refining capacity, approx 7% of its retail petrol pump network.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘No formal talks on F-35 jets yet': India clarifies after Trump tariff announcement
The Indian government on Friday clarified that there have been no formal discussions yet on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, despite a reference in the India-US joint statement earlier this year. In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said: 'The US will undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India. No formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue.' This statement comes in the backdrop of PM Narendra Modi's February visit to US, during which the two sides elevated defence and strategic cooperation, but without finalising key hardware acquisitions like the F-35. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was also asked whether any proposal had been made by the US regarding the F-35, and about the role of American diplomats in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Singh noted that diplomatic conversations were held with various countries, including the US, between April 22 and May 10. 'All our interlocutors were given a common message that India's approach was focused, measured and non-escalatory,' Singh said. He added that on May 9, India had conveyed its position clearly to US Vice President J D Vance. 'With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President J D Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack.' Singh clarified that the decision to cease military action was taken bilaterally between India and Pakistan. 'The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two-armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request.' Responding to a question on third-party mediation, Singh reiterated New Delhi's long-standing policy: 'As regards any proposal for third-party mediation, our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President.' He emphasised that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is underpinned by mutual trust and respect for sovereignty: 'The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement between our citizens. The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation.' Singh also reaffirmed that India remains committed to strategic autonomy despite deepening ties with Washington. 'The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India's national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy.'
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
25 minutes ago
- First Post
Turkish, Italian, Libyan leaders discuss joint strategy to curb migration and support Libyan unity
Oil-rich Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. In the disarray that followed, the country split into rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments read more Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, left, and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, pose for photos before their meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. AP On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a conference in Istanbul with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah to discuss migration, collaboration, and Libya's political stability. According to a statement published by Meloni's office after the closed-door meeting, the three leaders addressed boosting collaboration in the Mediterranean region, beginning with migration management. Meloni applauded the 'excellent results achieved' through partnership with Turkey on migration control, stating that the lessons learnt should be applied to strengthen the Libyan Government of National Unity's migration efforts, according to a statement released by her office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a statement released by Erdogan's office, 'long-term and sustainable' solutions were required to eliminate the root cause of migration. Libya is a major transit hub for migrants escaping war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Drownings along the country's shore have been prevalent. In December, at least 61 migrants, including women and children, drowned off Zuwara on Libya's western coast. The Italian prime minister also underlined Italy's commitment 'to Libya's stability, unity, and independence,' as well as its support for a political process led by Libya and assisted by the United Nations that would lead to elections. According to the Turkish presidential statement, the three leaders will meet again to assess their conclusions after lower-level technical meetings. Oil-rich Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. In the disarray that followed, the country split into rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments. Turkey has been allied with the Tripoli-based government in the west, but has recently taken steps to improve ties with the eastern-based government as well. In 2019, Turkey reached an agreement with the Tripoli-based government which delineated maritime boundaries between Libya and Turkey, angering Greece and Cyprus which say the agreement infringes on their rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
25 minutes ago
- First Post
‘Just in case these foolish statements are...': Trump orders nuclear sub deployment after Medvedev's 'provocative' remarks
'Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev…, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,' Trump posted on Truth Social read more A day after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned US President Donald Trump about Moscow's Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities following Trump's remark telling him to 'watch his words', the US President on Friday said he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in response to what he called 'highly provocative' comments by the Russian leader. 'Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,' he added. Trump did not clarify the exact location or nature—nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed—of the submarines he said were deployed in response to remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The escalating exchange between the two leaders began after Trump labelled Medvedev the 'failed former President of Russia.' Trump, after announcing a new tariff on India and a penalty for its trade relations with Russia, said, 'I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.' He added, 'Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory!' Medvedev responded on Thursday via Telegram, writing, 'If a few words from the former president of Russia can provoke such a jittery reaction from the mighty president of the United States, then Russia must be completely in the right.' 'We'll keep moving forward on our own path,' Reuters quoted him as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mocking Trump's 'dead economies' remark, Medvedev referenced Russia's Cold War-era nuclear deterrent system: 'As for 'dead economies' and 'dangerous territory,' maybe he should rewatch his favorite zombie movies and remember just how dangerous the so-called 'Dead Hand,' which doesn't even exist, can be.' While Trump did not specify what exactly triggered his nuclear warning, Medvedev had earlier in the week criticised Trump's push for more sanctions, accusing him of escalating tensions. 'Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,' Medvedev wrote on X. With inputs from agencies
