NATO Chief Threatens India and China Over Continued Trade with Russia, but India Stands Firm
The NATO Chief has openly threatened India and China while naming Russia, warning that their continued trade with Moscow could have serious consequences. In a statement marked by arrogance, NATO Chief Mark Rutte said, “Whether you’re the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, or the President of Brazil—if you’re still doing business with Russia and buying their gas, you should understand that Putin will not take peace talks seriously, and the consequences will be yours to bear.” He further added that if Putin does not sign any peace agreements, India and China would be the ones paying the price.
Rutte’s warning comes as part of NATO’s stance against nations like India and China continuing business with Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Using a direct, non-diplomatic tone, Rutte specifically cautioned these nations that if they kept trading with Russia, secondary sanctions of up to 100% could be imposed on them. This bold statement underscores the growing pressure from NATO on countries that are not toeing the Western line.
Interestingly, while Rutte made these statements, the rhetoric mirrored that of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, in his frustration, had repeatedly pressured India and China to strike trade deals with the U.S. rather than Russia, and on America’s own terms. However, both India and China have largely ignored these demands, continuing and even expanding their trade relations with Russia.
Rutte’s comments reflect a clear attempt to intimidate India and China into ceasing their trade with Russia, but the move seems to have had little impact. In fact, India has responded with a statement that might make NATO and Trump rethink their approach. India clarified that if it were to stop buying oil from Russia, global oil prices would skyrocket, potentially reaching $120 to $130 per barrel. To date, India has purchased $60 billion worth of oil from Russia, helping stabilize global prices.
An interesting irony emerges when considering the U.S. itself, which, despite imposing over 21,000 sanctions on Russia, continues to purchase uranium from the country. This contradiction highlights America’s double standards, as it maintains a tough stance on Russia internationally while depending on it for critical resources.
Despite the threats and sanctions, India and China have stood their ground. European countries still purchase refined oil from India and China, and no sign exists that this trade will cease. However, the pressure from NATO to make these nations stop their dealings with Russia is only intensifying.
Stay updated with International News in Hindi on Prabhasakshi