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Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
India should disregard NATO threat on doing business with Russia
During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 formed the outermost layer of India's air defence. This is the missile system that India acquired from Russia a few years ago despite the US threatening sanctions under CAATSA — a law mandating punitive measures against countries engaging in 'significant transactions' with Russia, North Korea, or Iran. India made it clear that it would proceed with the S-400 deal anyway. Eventually, the US House carved out an India-specific waiver. A similar episode is playing out again. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned this week that countries like India, China, and Brazil could face secondary sanctions if they continue doing business with Russia. This comes as several US senators back a new sanctions bill proposing a 500 per cent tariff on nations buying Russian goods. US President Donald Trump, too, said this week that the US would impose 100 per cent secondary tariffs targeting Russia's trade partners if a peace deal with Ukraine did not happen in 50 days. The Ministry of External Affairs' sharp rebuttal on Thursday — underlining that the energy requirements of the Indian people are the overriding priority, and cautioning against 'double standards' — serves as a timely reminder to the West, particularly Europe, of its own manoeuvres in pursuit of energy security. Yes, India was quick to seize the opportunity to purchase discounted Russian oil after the West imposed price caps and turned away from it. But while Russia's emergence as India's top crude supplier has helped meet domestic energy demand and stabilise prices, it is no secret that a substantial volume of refined fuel, derived from the Russian oil imported to India, is ultimately exported to Europe. A CREA report noted that by late 2024, 'capitalising on the refining loophole', India had become the EU's largest exporter of oil products. Europe also imported LNG at record levels from Russia last year. The sanctions threat to its trade partners is intended to choke Russia's war funding and pressure President Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire. In doing so, however, the US and NATO risk undermining their relationship with one of the world's largest economies and an essential ally in the Indo-Pacific. The West cannot have it both ways: Penalise India for pursuing national interest while simultaneously expecting cooperation in regional and global initiatives. It is high time the West engaged with India as an equal partner. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday that there was nothing to worry about even if sanctions were activated because India has expanded its crude sourcing slate. New Delhi should remain firm in pursuing its own path, even as the West seeks to dictate terms.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India cautions against ‘double standards' in sanctions on Russian oil imports
India has cautioned against 'double standards', even as U.S. lawmakers consider a Bill that would impose 500% duties on India and other countries buying Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs' comments comes after indications that U.S. President Donald Trump is backing the Russian Sanctions Act, introduced by a closely-allied Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, and even threatened secondary tariffs of 100% on countries that continue trade on sanctioned Russian products. On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who met with Mr. Trump and members of the U.S. Congress, also issued a threat, in particular to China, India and Brazil, who are among the top buyers of Russian crude oil, oil products, and coal. Mr. Rutte said 'Beijing and Delhi' should push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards ending the war in Ukraine, or face tariffs. 'Energy needs are top priority' Responding to questions on the issue on Thursday, the MEA said it was following the developments 'closely'. 'Securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavour, we are guided by what is there on offer in the markets, as also by the prevailing global circumstances,' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. 'We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter,' he added, in a possible reference to the fact that European Union members continue to procure oil, LNG and pipeline gas from Russia despite the sanctions, and are also major buyers of processed products that go through Indian refineries, including Gujarat's Nayara Energies, which has minority control by Russia's ROSNEFT. However, while Russia sells about half its oil exports to China, and about 38% to India (as of February 2025), it exports only about 6% to EU countries. At an industry event in Delhi on Thursday, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri said that India would 'deal' with sanctions when they are passed, pointing out that India has diversified its supply sources, buying oil from about 40 countries now, as opposed to 27 in the past. However, despite requests from Tehran, India has not so far reversed a decision taken under pressure from the first Trump administration in 2017, to stop all oil imports from Iran. Indian concerns conveyed The latest comments from the government come as lawmakers in the U.S. prepare to go forward with the Russian Sanctions Act, 2025 that has been introduced in the House and Senate, with 87 and 84 co-sponsors respectively, cutting across party lines. Section 17 of the Act proposes to impose 500% ad valorem duties on countries that buy, sell or transfer 'oil, uranium, natural gas, petroleum products, or petrochemical products that originated in the Russian Federation'. In Washington on July 2, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had confirmed that India's 'concerns' about the Bill and 'interests in energy security' had been conveyed to Mr. Graham who, along with Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal, is sponsoring the Bill. Mr. Graham has said that he believes Mr. Trump supports the law which would give him the power to waive the duties for a period of six months. However, the Republican lawmaker has urged the U.S. President to impose the sanctions earlier than the 50-day deadline proposed at present. Talks on trade, tariffs, deportees The proposed sanctions further complicate ties between New Delhi and Washington, who are currently putting the last touches on a 'mini' trade deal that officials say will be completed 'soon'. Amidst intense negotiations over tariffs, as well as market access to India, particularly in the areas of agriculture, dairy and genetically modified produce, New Delhi has also been coordinating with the U.S. government about the deportation of Indians illegally resident in the U.S. On Thursday, Mr. Jaiswal said that 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported in the first six months of Mr. Trump's second tenure, from January 20 to July 15 this year. According to ICE statistics, 1,529 immigration violators were deported in all of 2024, and far less than in the three preceding years. After protests in India over the first few batches of deportees being handcuffed and shackled on board military flights in February this year, the U.S. agreed to send Indians back by commercially chartered flights, including as recently as last week.
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Rolex Watches, Gold Biscuits & Bhagavad Gita: A Sneak Peek Into MEA's ‘Toshakhana' News18
From Rolex watches to an ancient Gita, gold biscuits to ivory coffee tables—the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) official 'Toshakhana' records analysed by News18 open a rare window into the glittering and often surprising world of diplomatic giftingFrom bottles of imported wine, a snake plush (toy), exclusive sarees to ivory crafted tables, gold-diamond-crystal jewelleries, models of temples, Bhagavad Gita and high-end Rolex watches with other collectors' items, the Toshakhana—India's official repository of diplomatic gifts—has items that always intrigue the masses. News18 Mobile App -
News18
16-07-2025
- General
- News18
Rolex Watches, Gold Biscuits & Bhagavad Gita: A Sneak Peek Into MEA's ‘Toshakhana'
Last Updated: In India's official repository of diplomatic gifts, entries range from a small leather pouch worth Rs 200 to opulent Rs 25-40 lakh Rolex watches and royal-mint gold coins News18 From Rolex watches to an ancient Gita, gold biscuits to ivory coffee tables—the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) official 'Toshakhana' records analysed by News18 open a rare window into the glittering and often surprising world of diplomatic gifting From bottles of imported wine, a snake plush (toy), exclusive sarees to ivory crafted tables, gold-diamond-crystal jewelleries, models of temples, Bhagavad Gita and high-end Rolex watches with other collectors' items, the Toshakhana—India's official repository of diplomatic gifts—has items that always intrigue the masses. The value of a single gift item, as received, may range from a mere Rs 200 to over Rs 50 to 60 lakh. Complying with the policy and administrative decision, the government takes a call on what will stay as 'submitted' and what is to be 'returned' to the recipient. The official lists, available with the ministry, show the range and scale of these offerings, formally submitted by ministers and diplomats to the repository in accordance with government rules. Among the standout names, the prime minister, minister of external affairs and the foreign secretary across governments emerge as the dignitaries with the highest number of declared gifts, followed by several other Indian envoys and senior officials. The entries range from modest—like a small leather pouch worth Rs 200 or a Jacob's Creek wine worth Rs 800 or Red Label Whiskey of Rs 1,000—to opulent Rs 25-40 lakh Rolex watches, gold biscuits, royal-mint gold coins, ivory-inlaid tables, and other high-value curios handed over by foreign guests and groups. However, the most intriguing entries in the MEA's Toshakhana log are a bundle of high-value items received from anonymous givers in 2018. The gifts include gold biscuits of 20 grams each, silver coins, Hindu scriptures and wooden globes. This list also includes a fascinating Bhagavad Gita model worth Rs 36,000, a peacock figurine, and a wooden Veena replica to the high offices—all without traceable origins. While the gifting culture is steeped in protocol and diplomacy, the records reveal an eclectic collection that would not look out of place in a high-end auction. These gifts are assessed and often retained or auctioned depending on their value, yet the list itself offers a fascinating peek into the soft power circuits of international relations. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 09:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Will continue to ask': Bhagwant Mann rebuffs MEA's condemnation; says he has right to question PM's foreign tours
. NEW DELHI: Punjab's chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday hit back at Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) condemnation of his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over foreign visits. Speaking to reporters the Punjab CM said, "Don't I have the right to ask about the country's foreign policy and what did he do there? Why does Adani's business start wherever he (PM) goes? I will continue to ask in the future as well. With 140 crore people in the country, he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the Ukraine war (Ukraine-Russia), but he can't even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana. " — ANI (@ANI) MEA on Thursday criticised recent comments made by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, calling them 'irresponsible and regrettable'. Without naming him directly, the MEA made it clear that the central government does not support such statements, which it said could harm India's relations with countries in the Global South. 'We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India's relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,' said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He added, 'The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India's ties with friendly countries.' The MEA's reaction came shortly after Mann made a series of sarcastic remarks targeting PM Modi's recent visits to countries like Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. Speaking to the media, Mann questioned the importance of these trips and mocked the destinations, saying, 'PM has gone somewhere. I think it is Ghana. He is going to be back and he is welcome. God knows which countries he keeps visiting — 'Magnesia', 'Galveaisa', 'Tarvesia'.' He went on to say, 'He does not stay in a country with 140 crore people. He is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the 'highest awards' there. Here, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB… What has he gotten himself into!'
