Jaishankar calls out double standards on Russian oil – Firstpost

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has sharply criticised what he described as Western double standards on Russian oil, pointing to the United States’ shifting sanctions policy and revealing that Washington had once encouraged India to purchase Russian crude to help stabilise global energy markets.

Speaking during an event in Finland’s Kultaranta on Thursday, Jaishankar defended India’s decision to ramp up imports of Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, saying New Delhi’s choices were guided by energy security and market realities rather than geopolitics.

Responding to a question accusing India of being “too sympathetic to Russia” and “too willing to buy oil from Russia”, Jaishankar said India purchased oil based on “cost and availability”.

“At that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was from Russia because Europeans were essentially buying up the West Asian oil, which was our traditional supplier. Circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,” he said.

‘US asked India to buy Russian oil’

The minister went a step further, claiming that Washington had actively encouraged India to buy Russian crude in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict to prevent a sharp spike in global oil prices.

“At that time, the US specifically asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market,” Jaishankar said.

India emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude after Western sanctions disrupted traditional trade flows following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The purchases helped India contain domestic energy costs while providing an alternative market for Russian exports.

Criticism of US sanctions policy

Jaishankar also took aim at what he characterised as inconsistencies in the US approach towards Russian energy exports.

“Right now, if you see, after having first put tariffs on us for buying Russian oil, the US then again lifted its sanctions,” he said.

“Let’s not pretend there’s some great principle involved here. I don’t think making this about sanctimony is really warranted.”

The comments come against the backdrop of a turbulent period in India-US trade ties. Last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Indian exports, including penalties linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian crude.

However, Washington later eased restrictions amid concerns over global energy supplies following disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran and broader instability in West Asia. The sanctions relief was aimed at preventing further volatility in international crude markets and ensuring adequate supplies for energy-importing nations.

India’s position unchanged

Despite changes in the US stance, India has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and commercial considerations.

Last month, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India had continued buying Russian oil regardless of sanctions waivers.

“We have been purchasing from Russia earlier, before waiver also, during waiver also, and now also,” Sharma said.

India has consistently argued that as the world’s third-largest oil consumer, it cannot afford to restrict supply options and must prioritise affordable energy for its economy.

Jaishankar targets Europe’s ‘moral ambiguity’

During the interaction, Jaishankar also criticised European nations for what he termed “moral ambiguity” in their approach towards global conflicts.

“No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-à-vis India,” he said.

When asked to elaborate, the minister argued that European countries had supplied arms that were later used against India.

“Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years. We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe. I think that’s a reasonable point,” he said.

The remarks underscore New Delhi’s longstanding position that countries should avoid selectively applying moral standards in international relations and instead recognise the security and economic compulsions faced by developing nations.