Gujarat refinery hit by EU sanctions, India calls for an end to ‘double standards’

The European Union on Friday approved “one of its strongest sanctions packages” against Russia to date. Gujarat’s Vadinar refinery (Nayara Energy Ltd), jointly owned by Russian energy firm Rosneft, was hit by sanctions.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on Friday said, “We are standing firm. The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions against Russia to date.”

“We’re cutting the Kremlin’s war budget further, going after 105 more shadow fleet ships, their enablers, and limiting Russian banks’ access to funding,” she added.

In the sanction, Nord Stream pipelines will be banned, and the EU has also put more pressure on Russia’s military industry, Chinese banks that enable sanctions evasion, and blocking tech exports used in drones. 

“For the first time, we’re designating a flag registry and the biggest Rosneft refinery in India. Our sanctions also hit those indoctrinating Ukrainian children. We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow,” read the EU’s statement.

In response to EU sanctions, India’s External Affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have noted the latest sanctions announced by the European Union.”

“India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations,” Jaiswal added.

Calling to end double standards, Jaiswal said, “Government of India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens. We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade.”