Jaishankar to US on Russian Oil: ‘India Will Buy What It Needs
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has once again made it clear that New Delhi will not be dictated to when it comes to its energy choices. Responding to US criticism over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, Jaishankar delivered a sharp rebuttal, stating, “You don’t like it, you don’t buy. We will buy what is necessary for our people.”
The remarks highlight India’s firm stance on safeguarding its national interest amid shifting global alliances, energy crises, and geopolitical tensions. For months, Western nations have raised concerns over India’s rising imports of discounted Russian crude, but New Delhi has consistently defended its position as one of pragmatism, not politics.
India’s Energy Needs at the Forefront
India is the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil, meeting more than 80% of its energy demand from abroad. The country’s economy, with its rapidly growing industries and massive population, relies heavily on affordable energy supplies. With global oil prices soaring after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, discounted Russian crude became an essential lifeline to keep inflation in check and fuel accessible to Indian households.
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s priority is ensuring energy security for its citizens, not aligning with the preferences of other nations. “Every government is accountable to its people first. India cannot be expected to pay more for oil just because others have a problem with Russia,” he underlined.
A Message of Strategic Autonomy
The Minister’s blunt response underscores India’s commitment to strategic autonomy—a principle deeply rooted in its foreign policy. Rather than choosing sides in great power conflicts, India has maintained that it will act independently, guided by national interest.
Read more: India Gets 5% Oil Price Cut from Russia Amid US Trade Strains
While the US and European nations have imposed sanctions and price caps on Russian crude, New Delhi has argued that it is not bound by those measures. By buying oil from Moscow, India has been able to stabilize domestic fuel prices while maintaining steady economic growth.
Balancing Relations with Global Powers
India’s oil purchases from Russia have not disrupted its relations with the United States, but Washington’s repeated remarks have added friction to diplomatic exchanges. Jaishankar, however, has stressed that India’s partnership with the US remains strong and diverse, ranging from defense cooperation to technology and trade.
At the same time, India has cultivated close ties with Russia, especially in the defense sector, where Moscow remains a key supplier of military hardware. By openly rejecting external pressure on oil imports, New Delhi is signaling that it will not allow any one partner to dictate its choices.
Domestic and Global Implications
Domestically, Jaishankar’s assertive statement has been welcomed as a reassurance that the government is putting the interests of Indian citizens above international demands. Globally, it positions India as a more assertive player that refuses to be cornered in geopolitical disputes.
Read more: Everything Matched Body For Body, Gun For Gun: Trump-Putin Alaska Summit
Analysts point out that India’s stance could inspire other nations in the Global South to adopt a similar approach, prioritizing economic needs over Western-led sanctions and restrictions.
India’s Independent Path
The larger message from Jaishankar’s statement is that India intends to chart its own path in global politics. By refusing to bow to pressure over Russian oil, New Delhi is reinforcing its role as an independent power in a multipolar world.
As Jaishankar put it succinctly, the choice is simple: “You don’t like it, you don’t buy.” For India, the focus will remain firmly on ensuring affordable energy for its people, even if that means ruffling feathers in Washington or Brussels.
