Report reveals West targeted India while continuing Russian fossil fuel imports

New Delhi, August 7, 2025 : A Finland-based independent thinktank has accused the United States and European Union of using a double standard on Russian fossil fuel imports. It says the West disproportionately targeted India over its energy policies. The new report, published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), reveals that EU nations continue to buy Russian energy on a large scale. This continues despite harsh sanctions, exposing what New Delhi calls the West’s “double standard.”

The data shows India accounted for only 13% of crude oil tankers exporting Russian fuel post-Ukraine war, while the EU procured not only energy but also fertilizers, chemicals, iron, steel, and transport equipment. “These figures only vindicate India’s emphasis on ensuring its citizens regular and affordable energy supplies,” said a source quoted anonymously.

The report comes in the backdrop of the US imposing a 50% import tariff on Russian-origin oil products. The move followed Washington’s accusations that Indian firms were helping to fuel Russia’s war machine. However, the report notes that India’s purchases are proportionately lower than EU nations, with New Delhi consistently falling behind China and the EU in total Russian fossil fuel imports.

CREA data between January 1, 2023, and August 3, 2025, shows China topped the list of importers, followed by the EU, Turkey, and Brazil. India ranked fifth with imports valued at €12,196 million, far behind China’s €200,439 million. Despite this, the West allegedly targeted India’s Nayara Energy for refining Russian oil while ignoring similar activities by European firms.

The report estimates Russia has earned €923 billion from fossil fuel exports since the war began. Of this, €212 billion came from the EU alone, while Indian imports stood at only €121 billion. The findings underline what analysts call the “disconnect between Western rhetoric and reality.”

The report also highlights how G7 tankers continued to transport Russian oil in violation of EU’s own sanctions. This practice has significantly undermined enforcement efforts. “Since January, the share of G7 tankers in Russian oil transport has increased from 36% to 56%,” CREA stated. Over half of Russian energy exports in June used G7-owned vessels, marking a six-percentage-point rise in a single month.

Use of these tankers kept Russian oil flowing into global markets. It ensured shipments remained technically compliant with price cap policies while undermining the intent of sanctions. Analysts argue this enabled a drop in global oil prices while keeping Russia’s crude exports intact — about 9% of daily global supply.

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