UK Criticized for Double Standards While Sheltering Economic Offenders: India Stands Firm A recent article in The Telegraph labeled Indi...
UK Criticized for Double Standards While Sheltering Economic Offenders: India Stands Firm
A recent article in The Telegraph labeled India an "enemy" for maintaining defense and energy ties with Russia. Meanwhile, pressing questions have arisen in the UK regarding its own international actions—raising concerns over selective moral narratives.
India's Strategic Sovereignty
India asserts its right to make national decisions—whether in defense, energy, or international relations. As External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar stated, "India chooses partners based on national interest, not external pressure." UK’s Hypocrisy on Russian Money
While accusing India of fostering ties with Russia, the UK has a long record of housing Russian wealth dubbed a “laundromat” for illicit funds, with over £1.5 billion of questionable assets tied to Russian-linked individuals in British real estate.
India’s Energy Pragmatism Recognized
India continues refining Russian crude—not to support conflict, but to meet affordable domestic energy needs, especially in crises. Meanwhile, Europe itself imports Russian oil indirectly via Indian refiners. This strategic move supports fuel stability without compromising global energy security.
Defense Independence and Diversity
India's reliance on Russian defense systems is rooted in decades-long partnerships, not political alignment. From S-400 air defense to INS Tamal, these systems have strengthened India’s defense capabilities without undermining India's growing cooperation with the U.S., France, Israel, and its own indigenous industries.
Fugitives vs. Migrants: Unequal Treatment
The UK shelters high-profile economic offenders like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi—despite court-ordered extraditions. Meanwhile, other migrants face swift deportation. Such inconsistencies spotlight the UK’s selective adherence to justice.
India’s Global Standing: The country is increasingly asserting its ** strategic autonomy**, balancing relations with global powers based on national interest.
Ethical Fairness: The UK’s discrepancies in dealing with fugitives versus migrants raise questions about consistent moral governance.
Energy Security: India’s diversified energy sourcing — analyzed against Europe’s partial complicity — demonstrates resilience and pragmatism.
UK hypocrisy, India Russia oil, Vijay Mallya UK, India defense policy, strategic autonomy.