TL;DR

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has forcefully defended India's continued purchase of Russian oil, directly challenging Western nations on their criticism by pointing to European weapons that have historically been used against India. Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, Jaishankar asserted that the West holds no moral authority to dictate India's energy choices.
• The seasoned diplomat made his remarks during a discussion on 'Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition,' where a journalist questioned India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its oil imports. Jaishankar responded by highlighting that India's decision to buy Russian crude after the 2022 conflict was primarily driven by affordability and availability. He further revealed that the United States had, in fact, encouraged India to continue these purchases in 2022 to help stabilize volatile global markets.
• India's reliance on Russian energy significantly increased following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent Western sanctions. This shift occurred as European consumers began sourcing oil en masse from India's traditional Middle Eastern suppliers. "I buy oil based on cost and availability," Jaishankar stated, explaining the practical necessity that guided India's policy. By August 2025, Russian imports reached approximately 2 million barrels per day, establishing Moscow as India's largest crude supplier.
• Beyond the economic rationale, Jaishankar launched a pointed critique regarding Europe's moral standing. He explicitly stated that many weapons supplied by European nations over decades have found their way into the hands of countries that subsequently used them to attack India. "No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-a-vis India," he remarked, drawing a stark contrast.
• Expanding on this, Jaishankar reiterated India's long-standing security concerns about Western arms supplies to the region. He explained, "Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years." This historical context is crucial for understanding India's perspective. For instance, India's neighbor, Pakistan, has maintained a significant arsenal of European hardware, including French-made Mirage jets, Swedish-made Saab 2000 Erieye Early Warning Aircraft, and German rifles. French-made Daphne class submarines were also part of Pakistan's naval fleet, with one sinking the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• Jaishankar underscored that India has never contributed to threats against European security, nor has any Indian-made weapon been used against a European country. This argument frames India's foreign policy as one of strategic autonomy, prioritizing its national interests and energy security without compromising its non-aligned principles. The EAM's statements signal India's firm resolve to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes based on its own assessment of circumstances and historical grievances, rather than succumbing to external pressures or double standards.