External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India’s decision to purchase Russian crude oil, asserting that New Delhi’s energy policy is driven by national interests, affordability and supply security rather than geopolitical pressure.
Speaking at the prestigious Kultaranta Talks in Finland during a discussion on emerging global powers and geopolitical competition, Jaishankar responded to criticism regarding India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its continued procurement of Russian oil.
India Buys Oil Based On Cost And Availability
Addressing concerns raised by a journalist who suggested India was being overly sympathetic towards Russia, Jaishankar clarified that India’s energy decisions are based on practical considerations.
He explained that after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, traditional energy markets underwent significant disruptions. As European countries shifted their sourcing strategies and increased purchases from the Middle East, India was compelled to explore alternative suppliers to secure its energy requirements.
According to Jaishankar, Russian crude emerged as a viable option due to its availability and competitive pricing, making it essential for India’s energy security and economic stability.
Jaishankar Highlights Western Contradictions
During the interaction, Jaishankar also questioned what he described as inconsistencies in Western criticism of India’s foreign policy choices.
He pointed out that India has never posed a security threat to European nations, yet several European countries have historically supplied weapons to regions and countries that have been involved in conflicts affecting India’s security interests.
The minister remarked that while India is often scrutinised for its economic engagements, similar scrutiny is rarely applied to arms exports that have had direct implications for India’s national security.
India’s Energy Security Remains A Priority
Jaishankar reiterated that India’s foremost responsibility is to safeguard the interests of its citizens, including ensuring affordable access to energy.
He noted that energy imports are critical for sustaining India’s economic growth and supporting the needs of over 1.4 billion people. In such circumstances, decisions regarding oil procurement cannot be guided solely by political narratives but must account for economic realities and domestic requirements.
US Had Encouraged Russian Oil Purchases: Jaishankar
The External Affairs Minister also recalled that during the initial phase of Western sanctions against Russia in 2022, even the United States acknowledged India’s role in stabilising global energy markets.
According to Jaishankar, American officials had encouraged India to continue purchasing Russian oil to prevent severe disruptions in global supply chains and avoid a sharp surge in international crude prices.
He argued that India’s purchases contributed to maintaining balance in the global energy market at a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
India’s Independent Foreign Policy
Jaishankar’s remarks reinforce India’s long-standing position of pursuing an independent foreign policy guided by strategic autonomy. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its decisions on trade, energy and international relations are based on national priorities rather than external pressure.
As global geopolitical tensions continue to reshape energy markets, India has remained focused on securing reliable and affordable energy supplies while balancing its diplomatic relations with major global powers.
