Jaishankar defends India’s energy policy and calls for diplomacy in Ukraine conflict amid western criticism

In a strong rebuttal to Western criticism over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that nations must prioritize their own interests, just as Europe does, and questioned the selective approach towards disengagement with Russia.

In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Jaishankar responded to concerns over India’s oil imports from Russia, asserting that every region has its own priorities. He pointed out that Europe’s business dealings with Russia had been far from consistent and accused European nations of applying “unreasonable expectations” to the rest of the world.

“This part of the world has to understand that every part of the world has its own interests. The priorities of Europe are different from those of countries in Asia, Africa, or Latin America. If everything is truly a matter of principle, Europe should have cut off all its business with Russia. But it hasn’t. It has been selective in its disengagement,” Jaishankar said. He further questioned, “Why should India pay higher prices just to make you (Europe) happy?”

Jaishankar also noted that Europe’s shift away from Russian energy sources had placed additional pressure on global oil markets. “Europe was importing energy from Russia, and when it started diverting to other producers, it impacted global prices. What are we supposed to do? Pay higher prices to accommodate Europe’s decisions?” Jaishankar asked, stressing the importance of respecting the interests of all countries.

Jaishankar reiterated that India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war advocates for diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means to resolve the conflict. “We believe that the war should end through negotiations. The solution does not lie on the battlefield,” he stated. He highlighted India’s efforts in encouraging peace talks, asserting that both Moscow and Kyiv must engage in direct discussions to understand each side’s position.

“It’s now nearly three years into the conflict. We won’t find a solution through fighting. At some point, both sides need to come to the table,” Jaishankar added. He emphasized that the war has global ramifications, affecting not only Europe but countries worldwide. “More effort is needed to bring both sides to negotiations. The sooner it happens, the better,” he said, calling for a global push for dialogue.

On the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Jaishankar stressed that nations must take initiative and explore diplomatic solutions, despite the challenges. “Countries need to make efforts, however difficult it may seem, to find common ground and work towards a better future,” he said.

In a sharp critique of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jaishankar pointed out that India is not a signatory to the ICC. “When you’re not members of a body, that already tells you what your views are about that body,” he remarked, suggesting that India’s stance is informed by its independent position on global institutions.