External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S Jaishankar has strongly defended India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian crude oil after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, arguing that the move was driven by energy security concerns and, at one stage, was encouraged by the United States itself to help stabilise global oil markets.
Speaking at an event in Finland’s Kultaranta during his official visit, EAM Dr. Jaishankar rejected criticism that India had been overly sympathetic to Russia. Responding to a question about India’s growing imports of Russian oil, he said New Delhi’s decisions were based on practical economic considerations rather than political alignments.
“At that time, the US specifically asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market,” Jaishankar said, referring to the period immediately after Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine triggered global energy disruptions.
Following the conflict, Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, including restrictions on Russian oil exports. As European countries reduced their dependence on Russian energy, India emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, significantly increasing imports from Moscow.
Explaining India’s position, Jaishankar said the global energy market had undergone major changes after the sanctions were imposed. According to him, European countries turned to Middle Eastern suppliers for alternative energy sources, leaving India with fewer affordable options.
“At that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was from Russia because Europeans were essentially buying up the Middle East oil, which was our traditional supplier. Circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister stressed that India’s approach has always been guided by cost, availability and the need to ensure energy security for its population. “I buy oil based on cost and availability,” he remarked while responding to allegations that India was favouring Russia.
Jaishankar also criticised what he described as inconsistencies in Western policies regarding Russian energy. He pointed out that while India had faced criticism and economic pressure for importing Russian crude, the United States later eased some restrictions in response to changing global circumstances.
“Right now, if you see, after having first put tariffs on us for buying Russian oil, the US then again lifted its sanctions. Let’s not pretend there’s some great principle involved here. I don’t think making this about sanctimony is really warranted,” he said.
His comments come against the backdrop of trade tensions between India and the United States. Last year, the administration of US President imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, including penalties linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil. However, some of those measures were later reduced following negotiations and evolving geopolitical conditions.
The United States also relaxed restrictions on Russian seaborne oil after instability in the Middle East affected global energy supplies during the Iran conflict. The waiver was aimed at helping energy-dependent countries manage rising fuel costs and maintaining stability in international markets.
Despite these developments, India has consistently maintained that its energy policy remains independent. Officials have repeatedly stated that Russian oil imports are based on commercial viability and national interests rather than external approvals or sanctions waivers.
Last month, Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma reiterated that India’s purchasing decisions had remained unchanged. “We have been purchasing from Russia earlier, before waiver also, during waiver also, and now also,” she said.
During the discussion in Finland, Jaishankar also raised concerns about what he described as Europe’s selective moral positioning on global conflicts and security issues. He argued that India has often faced security challenges involving weapons supplied by European countries.
“No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-à-vis India,” he said.
When asked to explain the remark, Jaishankar added, “Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years. We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe. I think that’s a reasonable point.”
His remarks underscored India’s longstanding argument that international relations should be viewed through the lens of national interests and strategic realities rather than selective moral judgments. The comments are expected to reignite debate over energy security, sanctions policy and the evolving balance of global geopolitical interests.
