Russia’s top oil producer, Rosneft, has strongly criticised the European Union’s latest round of sanctions targeting India’s Nayara Energy refinery, calling them unjustified, illegal, and a direct threat to India’s energy security. The sanctions, part of the EU’s 18th package aimed at weakening Russia’s oil and energy sectors amid the Ukraine conflict, included Nayara Energy among the affected entities.

Rosneft clarified that it holds less than 50% in Nayara and does not control the refinery, which is managed by an independent board. It called the EU’s rationale "far-fetched and false," noting that Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity operating under Indian law and contributing significantly to the country’s domestic petroleum supply.

The company emphasised that Nayara pays full taxes in India, has never distributed dividends to shareholders, and reinvests its profits in refining, petrochemicals, and retail operations.

Rosneft accused the EU of violating international norms and undermining the sovereignty of third-party countries. The Russian oil major warned that such actions could destabilise global energy markets and constitute unfair competition.