India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has delivered a sharp defense of New Delhi’s decision to purchase Russian oil, arguing that India’s energy choices have been driven by economic necessity and global market realities rather than geopolitical alignments.
Speaking in Finland, Jaishankar pushed back against criticism of India’s energy relationship with Russia, pointing to what he described as shifting international positions on Russian oil and sanctions. His remarks come at a time when India continues to face scrutiny from some Western policymakers over its growing imports of Russian crude following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Addressing the issue directly, Jaishankar noted that India was not a major buyer of Russian oil before 2022. According to him, the dramatic changes in global energy markets after the conflict forced many countries, including India, to reassess their sourcing strategies.
“We didn’t buy a significant amount of Russian oil till 2022,” Jaishankar said. “Circumstances compelled us to get into that market.” He emphasized that Russia emerged as a dependable supplier during a period of severe market uncertainty, when countries around the world were grappling with supply disruptions, price volatility, and concerns over energy security.
His comments reflect a long-standing position taken by the Indian government—that ensuring affordable energy supplies for its population of more than 1.4 billion people remains a national priority. Indian officials have repeatedly argued that energy purchases should not be viewed through a purely political lens, particularly when developing economies face enormous pressures from inflation and economic growth requirements.
Jaishankar also made a notable claim regarding the United States’ position during the early stages of the global energy crisis. He stated that Washington had specifically encouraged India to purchase Russian oil at a time when the international community was seeking ways to prevent a major shock to global energy markets.
“At that time, the US specifically asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilize the world markets,” he said.
The minister used this argument to challenge what he described as inconsistent approaches toward Russian energy exports. Referring to sanctions policies and changing international positions, he suggested that some countries have alternated between restrictive measures and pragmatic adjustments depending on their own interests.
“Let’s not pretend that there is some great principle involved here,” Jaishankar remarked. “If it is on, off, on, off and do it when it suits us and don’t do it when it doesn’t suit us. Come on, we are all adults in the room, we know what the game is.”
The remarks underscore India’s increasingly confident approach to foreign policy, particularly in areas where national interests intersect with global geopolitical tensions. Over the past several years, New Delhi has consistently defended its right to make independent economic and strategic decisions, even while maintaining close partnerships with Western nations.
India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude have become one of the most significant shifts in global energy trade since 2022. As many European countries reduced their dependence on Russian energy, Indian refiners stepped in to buy large volumes of crude at competitive prices. Those imports helped India manage domestic fuel costs while providing an alternative market for Russian exports.
Despite periodic criticism, India’s stance has remained largely unchanged. Government officials have argued that Europe itself continued importing various forms of Russian energy for an extended period and that developing countries should not be expected to bear a disproportionate burden of global energy adjustments.
Jaishankar’s latest comments also highlighted broader changes occurring within the global energy landscape. While Russia has emerged as India’s largest oil supplier, he pointed out that the country’s natural gas import profile has also undergone significant transformation.
According to the minister, Russia currently accounts for slightly less than 40 percent of India’s oil imports, making it the country’s leading crude supplier. However, he noted that the United States has recently become India’s largest supplier of natural gas, replacing Qatar, which had traditionally held that position.
“Today our largest oil supplier, a little less than 40 percent, is Russia,” Jaishankar said. “Our largest gas supply is the United States, and that was not the case till 28th February of this year. The main supplier was Qatar.”
The shift, he suggested, reflects a wider trend of diversification taking place across international energy markets. Countries are increasingly seeking multiple supply sources to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical shocks and regional instability.
“What is happening is the world is also de-risking on the region. People are looking for alternative energy sources,” he added.
Energy experts have observed similar trends globally, with governments and companies seeking greater flexibility in supply chains following years of disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, sanctions, and market turbulence. The push for diversification has influenced investment decisions, trade routes, and long-term energy strategies across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Jaishankar’s remarks arrive at a moment when energy security continues to shape diplomatic relations worldwide. As nations balance climate goals, economic growth, and geopolitical considerations, access to affordable and reliable energy remains a central concern.
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Read MoreFor India, the message remains clear: energy policy will be guided primarily by national interests and economic needs. The country’s leadership has consistently maintained that securing stable supplies at reasonable prices is essential for sustaining growth and protecting consumers, regardless of the complex political debates surrounding global energy trade.
The minister’s comments in Finland therefore represent more than a defense of past purchasing decisions. They offer a broader glimpse into how India views the evolving international order—one in which strategic autonomy, energy security, and pragmatic diplomacy increasingly define its engagement with the world.