Helsinki/New Delhi, 12 June (H.S.): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday strongly defended India’s decision to purchase Russian oil following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, arguing that the move was driven by energy security needs and market realities rather than geopolitical considerations.

Speaking during an event in Finland, Jaishankar said India’s increased imports of Russian crude after 2022 were influenced by global supply conditions and were undertaken to help maintain stability in the international energy market. He noted that at the time, Russian oil remained one of the few readily available and competitively priced sources of supply, while many traditional suppliers in the Middle East were witnessing heightened demand from European countries.

The minister emphasized that India’s energy procurement policy is guided primarily by cost, availability and national interest. He rejected suggestions that New Delhi had shown undue sympathy toward Moscow, stating that the country purchases oil based on commercial considerations and the need to ensure affordable energy for its citizens.

Jaishankar also questioned what he described as inconsistencies in Western policies toward Russian energy exports. Referring to shifting sanctions regimes and tariff measures, he argued that several countries had altered their positions according to changing strategic and economic circumstances. He cautioned against attaching moral judgments to energy trade decisions while major powers themselves adjusted policies to suit evolving global conditions.

Addressing broader geopolitical issues, Jaishankar criticised what he termed the “moral ambiguity” of some European nations. He remarked that India has never acted in a manner that threatens European security, while weapons supplied by certain European countries have, over the years, been used against India by hostile actors. His comments underscored New Delhi’s long-standing concern regarding defence exports that affect its security interests.

The remarks come amid continuing international debate over Russian oil exports and sanctions imposed after the conflict in Ukraine. India has consistently maintained that its energy decisions are based on economic viability, supply security and the needs of a rapidly growing economy.

Despite changing international policies and periodic sanctions adjustments, New Delhi has repeatedly asserted that it will continue to make energy purchases in accordance with its national interests. Government officials have maintained that ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies remains a priority, particularly during periods of global uncertainty and market volatility.

Jaishankar’s comments on Friday reinforced India’s position that energy security cannot be separated from economic realities and that countries should be allowed to make sovereign decisions based on their domestic requirements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar