EAM Jaishankar Defends India's Russian Oil Imports, Calls Out Western Double Standards in Finland

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly defended India's energy policy during a discussion at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland on Thursday, pushing back against criticism over New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude oil amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking at a session titled "Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition," Jaishankar responded to a journalist's suggestion that India had been "too sympathetic to Russia" and overly reliant on Russian oil imports.

Rejecting the criticism, Jaishankar argued that India's decisions were driven by economic realities rather than political considerations. He noted that India had not imported significant quantities of Russian oil before 2022, but changing market conditions and supply disruptions compelled the country to diversify its energy sources.

"We buy oil based on cost and availability," he said, adding that Russia became a reliable supplier at a time when traditional sources were under pressure. According to Jaishankar, European countries were purchasing large volumes of Middle Eastern oil, reducing availability for India and pushing it toward alternative suppliers.

The minister also highlighted what he described as inconsistencies in Western positions on Russian energy. He recalled that in 2022, the United States encouraged India to purchase Russian oil to help stabilize global energy markets and curb inflation following sanctions on Moscow.

Participated in a Panel discussion at Kultaranta Talks with FM Elina Valtonen of Finland, and Assistant FM Lana Nusseibeh of UAE on ‘Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition https://t.co/S7MQD5wwFc

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 11, 2026

Questioning the moral arguments often directed at India, Jaishankar said Western governments have applied sanctions and restrictions selectively, depending on their own interests. "We are all adults in the room. We know how the game works," he remarked, cautioning against portraying the issue as a matter of moral superiority.

Jaishankar further noted that Russia currently supplies less than 40 percent of India's oil imports, while the United States has recently become India's largest supplier of natural gas. He said these shifts reflect a broader global trend of countries seeking to diversify and de-risk their energy dependencies.

Turning to security concerns, Jaishankar drew attention to India's long-standing objections to European arms sales in the region. He pointed out that no European country has ever been attacked with Indian weapons, while weapons supplied by European nations have, over the years, been used against India.

"We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe," he said, arguing that such concerns should also be considered when discussing principles and global responsibility.

Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar urged observers to view energy security and international trade through a practical lens rather than a selective moral framework, emphasizing that nations must make decisions based on their economic and strategic interests.