In a sharp defense of India’s Russian energy purchases, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday responded to Western criticism of New Delhi’s position on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, exposing what he described as contradictions in the European position.
Speaking during a discussion on “emerging powers and new geopolitical competition” at the Koltaranta talks in Finland, Jaishankar responded to a journalist who suggested that India is “very sympathetic to Russia” and “very willing to buy oil from Russia,” according to a news agency ANI report.
In a firm response to two observations, Jaishankar emphasized India’s pragmatic approach to protect its national interests and ensure energy security.
“I will make two observations. I buy oil based on cost and availability. So, at that time, a lot of the oil available in the market was Russian because the Europeans were mainly buying oil from the Middle East, which was our traditional supplier. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,” Jaishankar said.
“No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons.”
Jaishankar also highlighted what he called historical and moral contradictions in Europe on matters related to India’s security.
He added: “No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe with weapons towards India,” referring to India’s peaceful global footprint.
When asked to clarify, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing concerns about Western arms supplies in the region.
“Europe is selling weapons that are being used to attack India. Not just now but for many years. We Indians have not done anything that would put Europe at risk. I think this is a reasonable point,” Jaishankar said.
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Referring to the developments that took place in 2022, Jaishankar said that even the United States recognized India’s role in stabilizing global energy markets in the wake of Western sanctions on Moscow.
‘We know the game’: Jaishankar’s digs in the US
According to Jaishankar, Washington encouraged New Delhi to continue purchasing Russian crude to help contain global inflation and prevent a severe disruption in oil supplies.
“People should also remember that at that time, the US specifically asked India to buy Russian oil to help stabilize global markets. After imposing tariffs on us for the first time last year for buying Russian oil, the US then lifted its sanctions on Russian oil. Let’s not pretend there is a grand principle here,” Jaishankar said.
He added: “If it’s policy one day and the next – do it when it suits us and don’t do it when it doesn’t suit us – then, come on, we’re all adults in the room. We know how the game is played. So I don’t think it’s really about principles or moral holiness.”
The minister also questioned what he described as the selective application of ethical standards in global trade and sanctions policy, saying that complex issues such as energy security cannot be viewed through a narrow lens.
