India warns against ‘Double Standards’ as NATO chief threatens sanctions over Russia ties

India has firmly pushed back against recent remarks made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who warned that countries like India, China, and Brazil could face “100% secondary sanctions” if they continue economic relations with Russia amid the Ukraine war. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that energy security for its citizens remains a top national priority and criticized any double standards in global diplomacy.

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During the weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s choices are shaped by market realities and global conditions, and any attempts to penalize such decisions reflect inconsistent standards in international policy. He reaffirmed that India continues to monitor developments closely but will act based on its sovereign interests.

Rutte, speaking in Washington alongside U S Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen, called on India, Brazil, and China to rethink their trade relations with Moscow. He echoed U S President Donald Trump’s recent threats of imposing strict economic penalties on countries engaging with Russia, adding that failure to pressure Russia into peace talks would lead to severe consequences for these nations. Trump has also announced additional military support for Ukraine and set a 50-day deadline for Russia to begin meaningful negotiations.

India’s strong stance signals its unwillingness to bow to Western pressure, especially when its national interests, particularly affordable energy access, are at stake. The MEA’s comments come amid growing geopolitical tension and diverging global positions on the ongoing conflict.