Fact Check: EU Targeted Russian-Owned Refinery in Gujarat, Not India

Claim: Social media users are claiming that the European union has sanctioned an Indian oil refinery.

Verdict: Misleading

What Did Factcheck India Find?

No, India has not been sanctioned by the European Union. The claim is misleading and lacks context. Here’s what FactCheck India found after a deep dive into official sources and credible media reports: On July 18, 2025, the EU unveiled its 18th package of sanctions aimed at weakening Russia’s energy and financial influence due to the ongoing Ukraine war. Among the listed entities was Nayara Energy Ltd, a Gujarat-based private refinery. So why Nayara? And why India? The answer lies in ownership.

Nayara Energy, previously known as Essar Oil, operates one of India’s largest refineries in Vadinar, Gujarat. But nearly 49.13% of Nayara is owned by Rosneft, the Russian state oil company and which makes it a Russian-linked entity under EU policy.

What Did the Indian Government Say?

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded swiftly and clearly. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations. Energy security remains a paramount concern. There should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade.”

In other words, India’s foreign policy is guided by national interest, not foreign pressure.

Verdict: Misleading

The viral claim that the EU has sanctioned India or an Indian oil refinery is misleading. The EU has not sanctioned India. The EU has not blacklisted Indian government institutions or India’s oil sector. The EU has sanctioned a private company based in India that has Russian state investment. The sanctions apply only to Nayara Energy Ltd, due to its significant Russian ownership. The move is part of a wider EU strategy to target Russian-linked firms, not a judgment on India or its policies. India has reiterated its position: it will not comply with unilateral sanctions and remains committed to energy security for its citizens. The EU has not sanctioned India. It has sanctioned a Russian-owned stake in a private Indian refinery, as part of its broader action against Moscow.