In a sharp and diplomatically firm response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday expressed serious concerns over remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who warned countries like India, China, and Brazil of facing secondary sanctions if they continued trade relations with Russia in defiance of Western positions.
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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the ministry’s weekly press briefing held in New Delhi, reaffirmed India’s sovereign right to safeguard its energy security and national interest, stating that such decisions are guided by pragmatic assessments of market availability and global geopolitical dynamics.
“We have seen reports on the subject and are closely monitoring developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us,” Jaiswal said.
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Taking a firm stand, Jaiswal warned against “double standards” being imposed on nations that are navigating complex global situations, including India, which has historically balanced its ties with both Western and Eastern blocs.
“In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and also by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter,” he stated, indirectly referencing the West’s energy trade practices and historical exceptions made during conflicts.
The MEA’s remarks came in the wake of a press conference held in Washington D.C., where newly appointed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte appeared alongside U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen.
Rutte issued a direct warning to the leadership in New Delhi, Beijing, and Brasilia, urging them to reconsider their ongoing economic cooperation with Moscow, failing which they might face “100 percent secondary sanctions” if Russia does not engage in credible peace negotiations.
Rutte echoed sentiments expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier this week threatened sweeping tariffs and sanctions on nations that continue maintaining economic links with Russia.
Trump also proposed a 50-day ultimatum to Russia, demanding its commitment to peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict.
#RussiaUkraineWar #Geopolitics
“My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard,” Rutte declared, issuing a blunt warning that was perceived by many diplomats as an unprecedented escalation in rhetoric.
Rutte further called on the three countries to leverage their diplomatic ties with Russia and pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into returning to the negotiating table.
“Please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India, and China in a massive way,” the NATO chief said.
#PeaceTalks #RussiaDiplomacy