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**Summary:**

NATO chief Mark Rutte suggested potential sanctions on India due to its trade relations with Russia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) countered these remarks, warning against the application of double standards in international relations. The MEA’s response implies a criticism of the hypocrisy of potentially singling out India while other nations may also maintain trade ties with Russia.

**News Article:**

**India Rebukes NATO Chief’s Sanctions Talk Over Russia Trade, Cites “Double Standards”**

New Delhi – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sharply responded on Thursday to remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding potential sanctions on India over its trade relationship with Russia. Rutte’s comments hinted at the possibility of punitive measures against India, raising concerns within the Indian government.

In a statement, the MEA cautioned against the implementation of “double standards” in international relations, a thinly veiled criticism of what it perceives as a hypocritical stance. The Ministry’s statement did not explicitly detail which other nations it believed were engaging in similar trade activities with Russia, but it implied that India was being unfairly singled out.

“We have taken note of the remarks,” said an MEA spokesperson. “It is important that international relations are governed by principles of fairness and consistency, and we caution against the application of double standards when assessing the policies of different nations.”

The response comes amidst ongoing global scrutiny of trade relations with Russia following the conflict in Ukraine. India has maintained its economic ties with Russia, citing its national interest and energy security needs. The MEA’s statement underscores India’s commitment to pursuing its own foreign policy objectives and resisting what it sees as undue pressure from Western powers. The situation is likely to further strain relations between NATO and India.

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