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India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has firmly dismissed Western allegations that New Delhi is profiting from discounted Russian crude oil, insisting that the country’s energy policies serve its national interest and are conducted transparently.
Speaking at a policy forum in New Delhi, Jaishankar addressed claims by the United States that India’s import of Russian oil products indirectly fuels the ongoing war in Ukraine. He rejected the suggestion outright, framing the accusations as unfair and inconsistent.
“If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, then don’t buy them,” he told the audience. “Nobody is forced to purchase from us. Europe buys, America buys. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”
His remarks come at a time when Washington and its allies continue efforts to squeeze Moscow’s energy revenues through price caps and sanctions, while simultaneously struggling to stabilize global markets amid rising demand.
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, refining much of it into diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. Critics in the West argue that by re-exporting these products, New Delhi enables Moscow to bypass sanctions, indirectly supporting its war effort.
Jaishankar, however, argued that such criticism overlooks the pragmatic realities faced by a nation of more than 1.4 billion people. He emphasized that energy security is paramount, and India cannot be expected to jeopardize its economic stability to satisfy geopolitical agendas shaped elsewhere.
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“Every government has a duty to its people,” he said. “For India, that means ensuring affordable and reliable energy supplies. That is what we are doing.”
Observers note that Jaishankar’s remarks underline a broader trend in global diplomacy, where major economies in the Global South are increasingly asserting independence from Western pressure in trade and foreign policy.
Despite the criticism, Indian officials maintain that their dealings with Russia do not breach any international laws. Instead, they argue that Western buyers themselves continue to import Indian-refined products, demonstrating the contradictions in Washington’s complaints.
The debate is likely to intensify in the months ahead as oil markets remain volatile and the war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending. For India, the challenge will be balancing its energy needs with the pressures of navigating a complex geopolitical landscape—one where both principle and pragmatism are constantly tested.
