Reference News, July 18 report - According to TASS, on July 17, in response to NATO Secretary General Lutte's statement that secondary sanctions would be imposed on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas, including the possibility of a 100% tariff, India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randeep Singh Jaiswal stated that New Delhi has issued a special warning against this double standard approach.

He pointed out: "Our special warning is that no double standards should be adopted on this issue."

According to reports, Lutte said during a meeting with U.S. senators that if India, China, and Brazil continue to purchase Russian raw materials, they may face "very severe" secondary sanctions.

Before Lutte made these remarks, U.S. President Trump threatened on the 14th that if the Ukraine conflict could not end within 50 days, secondary sanctions would be imposed on countries purchasing oil from Russia.

Jaiswal emphasized: "Ensuring energy needs for residents is New Delhi's top priority."

According to a report by RIA Novosti on July 18, Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that if the United States imposes secondary sanctions on Russian oil, India will be able to meet its own needs from other sources.

Pradhan stated that despite sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, oil supplies remain sufficient. He pointed out that some countries, including Brazil and Canada, are increasing production.

He also said that Trump's comments were aimed at solving the problem.

Pradhan also pointed out the importance of Indo-Russian relations for global markets, stating that India's purchase of oil from Russia helps stabilize the energy market.

The report noted that India is the world's third-largest oil consumer, with more than 85% of its needs met through imports. Indian refineries procure crude oil from over 30 countries, including Russia. Russia's share in its imports has consistently remained above 30%. Data from the European Centre for Energy and Clean Air Research shows that Western countries, including NATO members, remain the main buyers of Russian energy.

Translation: [Tong Shiqun, Li Ran]

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