New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar issued a sharp rebuttal to U.S. criticism over India’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude oil, making it clear that New Delhi’s choices are driven by national interest, strategic autonomy, and global market stability.
Speaking on Saturday, Jaishankar not only defended India’s stance but also turned the tables on Western nations, questioning their own energy dealings with Russia.
Responding to accusations from White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro, who accused India of running a “profiteering scheme” by refining Russian crude and exporting it at premium rates, Jaishankar’s reply was blunt and unapologetic.
If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy them. Europe buys, America buys—nobody forces them to.”
Jaishankar stressed that India’s oil procurement strategy is transparent, pragmatic, and essential for energy security.
India’s Stand: National Interest Meets Global Stability
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s oil imports from Russia are not just a matter of economics but also contribute to global market stability. We are buying [Russian] oil to stabilize the oil market. Yes, it is in our national interest; we’ve never pretended otherwise. But we also say it’s in global interest,” he said.
Following Western sanctions on Moscow after the Ukraine conflict in 2022, India strategically diversified its crude imports, resulting in Russia emerging as India’s largest crude supplier.
Russia’s share in India’s oil imports has skyrocketed from 1.7% in 2019–20 to over 35% in 2024–25—a move that has helped India shield consumers from global price shocks while keeping domestic inflation in check.
“Strategic Autonomy Is Our Right”
Jaishankar reaffirmed that India’s foreign and economic policies are anchored in strategic autonomy, a long-standing principle of Indian diplomacy. That’s our right. In my business, that’s exactly what strategic autonomy is about,” he asserted.
India has consistently maintained an independent stance on energy security, refusing to succumb to external pressure—whether from the West or any other bloc.
Hypocrisy in Global Criticism
The Minister didn’t shy away from pointing out the double standards in global reactions to India’s Russian oil purchases.
He questioned why similar scrutiny hasn’t been directed at larger importers: The same arguments targeting India haven’t been applied to the largest oil importer, China, or the largest LNG importer, the European Union.”
Jaishankar reminded audiences that even Western powers had tacitly acknowledged ongoing energy trade with Russia by introducing the G7 oil price cap mechanism: The fact that you devised a price cap meant you accept that there’s an oil trade with Russia; otherwise, you wouldn’t need one.”
U.S. Pressure vs. India’s Firmness
Highlighting earlier conversations with American officials, Jaishankar revealed that previous U.S. administrations were pragmatic about India’s Russian oil imports, understanding India’s unique needs as the world’s third-largest oil consumer.
Today, India continues to exercise sovereignty over its economic decisions, prioritizing affordable energy to fuel growth and protect citizens from market volatility.
India’s Message to the West: Energy Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable
Jaishankar’s message was unmistakable: India will not compromise its energy security under pressure. The Minister framed India’s stance as not only practical but also ethical—helping stabilize global markets while catering to the needs of a developing economy of 1.4 billion people.
In essence, India’s position demonstrates a newfound assertiveness in global geopolitics—a willingness to push back against Western narratives while safeguarding national interest.
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