‘US asked India to buy Russian oil, later imposed tariffs’:Jaishankar hits out at Western double standards

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has defended India’s decision to purchase Russian crude oil after the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, saying the move was guided by national interest and helped maintain stability in global energy markets. Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland during a session on ‘Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition’, Jaishankar said the United States had itself encouraged India to continue buying Russian oil to prevent a sharp rise in global prices. “At that time, the US specifically asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market,” he said. Europe’s shift to Middle East oil pushed India towards Russia Explaining the circumstances behind India’s energy decisions, Jaishankar said Western sanctions on Moscow led European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian energy and turn towards Middle Eastern suppliers, which had traditionally catered to India’s needs. “As Europeans started buying oil from the Middle East, much of the available supply in the market was Russian. Circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,” he said. He added that India’s oil purchases were based on affordability and availability rather than geopolitical preferences. Jaishankar rejects criticism over India’s Russia ties The minister’s remarks came in response to a question from a journalist who accused India of being too sympathetic towards Russia and too willing to purchase Russian crude. Rejecting the criticism, Jaishankar said, “I buy oil based on cost and availability.” He also criticised what he described as selective moral standards in international discussions on India’s energy policy. “Let’s not pretend this is about some great principles. I don’t think hypocrisy is appropriate here,” he said. Raises concerns over European weapons used against India Jaishankar also highlighted India’s security concerns and questioned European criticism, saying Indian-made weapons had never been used against any European country. “No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for European weapons vis-à-vis India,” he remarked. He added that Europe had supplied weapons that were used against India for several decades, while India had never taken actions that endangered Europe’s security. Russia remains key oil supplier, US top gas partner The minister said Russia continues to be a reliable supplier of crude oil to India, while the United States remains India’s largest supplier of natural gas, reflecting New Delhi’s diversified energy strategy. India has consistently maintained that its energy purchases are determined by national interest, energy security, and the welfare of its citizens. The country increased imports of discounted Russian crude after Western sanctions on Moscow, helping contain domestic fuel costs amid global market volatility. ​