External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s stance on purchasing crude oil from Russia on Tuesday, saying that it’s a smart policy to go where we can get the best deal for Indian citizens.
The minister expressed “concern” over “stability and affordability of energy markets” due to energy caps on Russian energy imposed by the West.
“We don’t ask our companies to buy Russian oil, we ask them to buy what’s the best option they get. It depends on the market, it’s a sensible policy to go where we get the best deal in the interest of the Indian people,” Jaishankar said while addressing the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the winter session of Parliament.
Following western sanctions against Moscow, the February-starting conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on global food security and caused a sharp rise in crude prices.
Jaishankar has claimed that gas and oil prices are excessively high all over the world in his analysis of global oil prices.
He claimed that although the Middle Eastern nations had historically supplied oil to Asia, Europe was now purchasing more of it.
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Jaishankar stated that India’s relationship with Russia has benefited it and that New Delhi would like to maintain it during a joint press conference with Sergey Lavrov of Russia earlier in November in Moscow. He reaffirmed close ties with Moscow and referred to it as a reliable and experienced partner.
India has repeatedly stated that its large consumer base and national interests will determine the amount of oil it imports.
Delivering his remarks in the Parliament on the ‘Latest Developments in India’s Foreign Policy’, Jaishankar also raised the issue of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and stated that Indian citizens should not pay for some other country’s action.
“Indian public should not pay for some other country’s action,” Jaishankar said, asserting India’s position.
Since the commencement of the crisis, New Delhi has maintained its impartial stance and has not denounced Russia. However, New Delhi has continuously advocated for peace and diplomacy and called for an end to violence on a number of UN forums.
He had also said that the US knows India’s position on Russian oil import and has “moved on”, adding that in such circumstances “India is open about its interests, wants the best deal.”
This is not the first time Jaishankar has defended India’s interests on a global scale; in June of this year, at the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum in Slovakia, he responded angrily to unjustified criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Additionally, when the External Affairs Minister emphasised India’s support for a two-state solution with both states coexisting peacefully, the situation in Palestine was also brought to light. He also emphasised the rise in New Delhi’s financial assistance to Palestine.
“We’re very clear on Palestine, we support a two-state solution with both states living peacefully side by side. Our financial support for the Palestinian refugee welfare agency has gone up,” Jaishankar added.
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