00:00Welcome back. India has rejected United States and European Union criticism over its Russian oil imports,
00:07calling the focus on its trade post-Ukraine conflict unjustified and unreasonable.
00:13Therefore, it will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security as any major economy would.
00:21However, India gave no details on next steps but said its trade decisions are guided by economic self-interest,
00:30especially during global instability and geopolitical uncertainty.
00:35After the Ukraine war began, India became a key buyer of Russian oil,
00:39offering Moscow a crucial market after Europe sharply reduced its purchases.
00:44This move allowed India to cut energy costs significantly,
00:47while ensuring Russia's oil revenue continued through sustained demand from a new and willing partner.
00:54India explained it turned to Russian oil only after traditional suppliers redirected shipments to Europe,
01:00forcing India to seek alternative energy sources urgently.
01:04It also reminded critics that at the time, the United States encouraged India's Russian oil imports
01:09to stabilise disrupted global energy markets.
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