Hyderabad: Communist Party of India (CPI) National Secretary Dr. K. Narayana on Thursday lauded the Indian government’s continued purchase of discounted crude oil from Russia, calling it a necessary stand against US pressure but condemned the Centre for failing to pass on the benefit to Indian citizens.
Dr. Narayana pointed out that while India refines Russian crude and exports it to foreign buyers for profit, domestic fuel prices remain high. “This reflects a corporate-driven approach that ignores the hardships faced by the public,” he said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to redirect these profits toward lowering diesel and petrol prices.
CPI accuses US of double standards on Russia trade
He criticized the US for pressuring India to end Russian oil imports, despite maintaining its own trade with Moscow in critical sectors. “If Washington is serious about isolating Russia, why is it still buying uranium, palladium, fertilizers, coal, and steel from them?” he asked.
The CPI also accused the US of meddling in India’s trade autonomy by pushing artificial products like infant formula into the Indian market, calling it a violation of WTO principles.
Dr. Narayana praised the Ministry of External Affairs for keeping India’s long-standing ties with Russia intact dating all the way back to Soviet support during critical moments like the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He stressed that India needs to stand firm on its trade interests and push back against outside interference.
