Indias Russia-Ukraine Position: Jaishankar Rebuts Europe Criticism on Oil and Arms Sales

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to European criticism of India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking in Finland, S Jaishankar said Europe has supplied weapons used against India. S Jaishankar added India has not taken any action that threatens Europe. S Jaishankar also defended India’s purchases of Russian crude oil after the war began.

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At the Kultaranta Talks on Thursday, S Jaishankar rejected claims of a morally unclear policy. S Jaishankar said India’s choices were shaped by economic needs and market conditions. S Jaishankar said India has balanced ties with Russia and Ukraine. S Jaishankar also repeated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy.

India Russia-Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar’s reply to Europe

S Jaishankar pointed to Europe’s arms sales when asked about India’s ties with Russia. "No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for European weapons vis-a-vis India. So keep that in mind,\" S Jaishankar said. S Jaishankar linked this to weapons supplied over many years.

S Jaishankar then referred to long-term impacts of European defence exports in South Asia. \"Europeans sell weapons which are used to attack India. Not now. For many, many years,\" S Jaishankar said. \"We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe,\" S Jaishankar added. S Jaishankar’s remarks appeared to point to arms supplies to Pakistan.

India Russia-Ukraine conflict: Oil imports and energy market reasons

S Jaishankar said India’s energy buying decisions follow price and supply conditions. \"India buys oil based on cost and availability,\" S Jaishankar said. S Jaishankar explained that after the war began in 2022, Russia became a major available source. S Jaishankar also said Europe was purchasing Middle East oil.

Explaining the market shift, S Jaishankar described how traditional supply lines changed. \"When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022, at that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was Russian because Europeans were essentially buying up the Middle East oil, which was our traditional supply. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,\" S Jaishankar said.

The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted global energy supplies and prices. India increased imports of discounted Russian crude during this period. India has said affordable oil supports energy security and public welfare. S Jaishankar has also argued developing countries cannot carry extra economic costs. S Jaishankar has noted Europe traded with Russia early in the conflict.

India Russia-Ukraine conflict: Kultaranta Talks and Finland visit

S Jaishankar was in Finland on the final leg of a two-nation Europe tour. S Jaishankar arrived in Finland from Bulgaria. The Kultaranta Talks is an annual dialogue on security issues. Finnish President Alexander Stubb hosts the event. The meeting brings together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss global and regional challenges.

S Jaishankar’s comments in Finland set out India’s defence of its Russia policy. S Jaishankar linked oil imports to market realities after the 2022 war began. S Jaishankar also repeated India’s push for diplomacy on the Ukraine conflict. The remarks came amid continued European debate about India’s ties with Russia and energy purchases.

With inputs from PTI