External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India's decision to buy oil from Russia during his visit to Finland. He also criticised what he described as Western double standards on the issue.
The remarks came after a journalist questioned India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war. The journalist accused India of being “too sympathetic to Russia” and “too willing to buy oil from Russia”.
India Bought Oil Based on Market Conditions
Jaishankar rejected the criticism and said India made its decision based on practical considerations. “I’ll make two observations. I buy oil based on cost and availability. So at that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was Russian because Europeans were essentially buying oil from the Middle East, which was our traditional supplier. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction.”
He explained that Europe increased its purchases from Middle Eastern suppliers after the Ukraine war began. As a result, India turned to Russian oil, which was available and affordable.
According to Jaishankar, market conditions—not politics—drove India's decision.
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
Jaishankar Questions Europe’s Position
The minister then highlighted what he sees as inconsistency in Europe's approach toward India. “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 clarify his statement, Jaishankar expanded on the point. “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 argued that European countries continue to sell weapons that eventually affect India's security interests.
US Asked India to Buy Russian Oil, Says Jaishankar
Jaishankar also said the United States encouraged India to purchase Russian oil after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to him, Washington wanted to prevent a major disruption in global energy markets. He said the US asked India to help stabilize oil supplies and avoid a sharp rise in global prices after Europe imposed sanctions on Russia. “At that time, the US directly asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market. We buy oil based on cost and availability.”
The statement underlined India's argument that its oil purchases served economic and market needs.
Criticises Contradictory Policies
Jaishankar also criticised what he described as contradictions in Western policies toward Russian oil. He urged countries not to place excessive moral significance on India's energy imports. He argued that many nations adjusted their own policies when energy security and market stability were at stake.
India Stands Firm on Energy Security
India has repeatedly defended its decision to import Russian oil since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The government maintains that it must secure affordable energy supplies for its people and economy.
Jaishankar's remarks in Finland reinforced that position. He said India acted according to its national interests and responded to changing market realities. At the same time, he pushed back against criticism from Western countries and questioned their approach to both energy and security issues.