The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, raised the alarm about the importation of Indian petroleum products sourced from Russian oil in a recent interview. He criticised Indias role in enabling Russia to avoid Western sanctions during the Ukraine conflict.According to Borrell, growing oil commerce between Russia and India is not a concern for the EU. However, he emphasised the importance of addressing Indias transfer of Russian oil into Europe as refined fuel, especially diesel. India has become an important importer of Russian crude in the last year, resulting in increased production and profitability at Indian refineries. This has enabled them to export refined oil to Europe at a competitive price. Several reports have emerged in recent months showing Indian corporations purchases of Russian oil, refining it, and then exporting it to Europe.Borrell emphasised the significance of acting if India becomes a hub for processing Russian oil and selling its byproducts to Europe. He hoped to bring up the issue with Indias foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during the India-EU Trade and Technology Council conference in Brussels.Image: TwitterThe impact of EU actions on IndiaAccording to Borrell, implementing efforts to block the supply of Russian oil would primarily necessitate action from national authorities. The EU might potentially target buyers of Indian refined fuels, which are thought to be derived from Russian crude. These restrictions would not only have an impact on Indias economy since refined petroleum is the countrys biggest export, but they would also put pressure on the country to reevaluate its historically strong connection with Russia, which has grown firmer since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.
