S Jaishankar on buying Russian oil: ‘duty towards the people’

The world has somewhat accepted New Delhi’s stance on buying Russian oil in light of Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, because New Delhi has not been defensive about its choice and instead has helped other nations understand the responsibility they have to their citizens.

“Once you lay it out very openly and honestly, people accept it.” Jaishankar remarked, “They may not always appreciate it, but once it is there and you are not trying to be too clever about it, you actually have laid out your interest in a very direct manner, my sense is that the world somewhat accepts that as reality,” addressing a meeting with the Indian community in Bangkok, Jaishankar remarked.

Jaishankar, who has frequent liaison with Americans, remarked, “I do see that—not just in the United States but including the US—that they know what our position is and they move on with that.”

Since Europe is buying less oil from Russia, many of India’s suppliers have switched their shipments to Europe, according to the foreign minister. “Oil prices are unreasonably high, and so are gas prices. A lot of traditional suppliers to Asia are diverting to Europe because Europe is buying less oil from Russia. It is a situation today where every country will try to get the best deal possible for its citizens to try to cushion the impact of these high energy prices. And that is exactly what we are doing,” Jaishankar said.

“We are not doing it in a defensive way. We are being very open and honest about our interests. I have a country which has a per capita income of two thousand dollars. These are not people who can afford higher energy prices. It is my obligation, my moral duty to actually ensure that I get them the best deal,” he further added.

In light of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, questions regarding the relations between India and the US were put to the foreign minister. To participate in the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting as both nations commemorate 75 years of the start of diplomatic relations, Jaishankar arrived in Thailand on Tuesday. Following the meeting, India and Thailand will sign their MoUs.