Jaishankar Defends Russian Oil Purchases
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pushed back against European criticism of India’s Russian oil purchases, saying New Delhi makes energy decisions based on national interest, cost and availability. Speaking in Finland, he also questioned Europe’s record on arms exports used against India.
Jaishankar On Russian Oil Purchases
Jaishankar said India began buying larger volumes of Russian crude after the Ukraine war because the oil was available and affordable. He also stated that the United States had asked India in 2022 to continue purchasing Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets.
His comments came amid repeated Western criticism of India’s energy trade with Russia. India has maintained that its oil purchases are guided by economic needs and energy security.
Europe Arms Exports To Pakistan
Responding to European concerns over India’s Russia ties, Jaishankar said European countries had sold weapons that were later used against India. He said India had never done anything to endanger Europe, while Europe’s arms exports had affected India’s security concerns.
The remarks were seen as a sharp response to what India views as selective criticism from Western nations on global conflicts and strategic choices.
India Foreign Policy Autonomy
Jaishankar said India would continue to make decisions based on its own interests rather than external pressure. He argued that countries questioning India’s Russian oil purchases should also examine their own trade and security policies.
India has consistently defended its independent foreign policy since the Ukraine conflict began. New Delhi has called for dialogue and diplomacy while continuing economic engagement with Russia, Europe and the United States.
