India has rejected Nato chief Mark Rutte’s warning about buying Russian oil and has flagged double standards of the West. For context, European nations that largely make up Nato have paid more money to Russia for energy imports than they have given to Ukraine in aid.

Jaiswal’s comments came after NATO chief Mark Rutte, speaking at a press conference in Washington alongside US Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen, called on India, China, and Brazil to sever their economic ties with Moscow.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring the developments but firmly reiterated its priorities.