India Against Unilateral Measures Affecting Third Countries, Says MEA As UK Sanctions Nayara

New Delhi: India on Thursday (October 16) pushed back against the United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions on Nayara Energy, reiterating its long-standing position that it does not accept unilateral measures that affect third countries.

At the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had taken note of the UK action and underlined New Delhi’s priority of securing energy supplies.

“We have noted the latest sanctions announced by the UK. India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanctions,” he said.

Jaiswal emphasised that energy security is a core responsibility for the state.

“Government of India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens. Indian companies source energy supplies from around the world while taking overall market conditions into account,” he said.

The spokesperson also called for a consistent approach to energy trade. “We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade,” he added.

The UK on Wednesday announced 90 new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil companies, their transport fleet and associated entities. The list includes Rosneft, Lukoil and India’s Nayara Energy Limited, which the British government said imported around 100 million barrels of Russian crude oil worth more than $5 billion in 2024.

Rosneft owns a 49.13% stake in Nayara Energy, which operates one of India’s largest refineries in Vadinar, Gujarat.

In July, the European Union had similarly sanctioned Rosneft’s Indian refinery, prompting New Delhi to reiterate that it “does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures” and remains “fully committed” to its legal obligations as a responsible actor.

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