During an interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that despite Russia's military actions in Ukraine, India has expanded its economic connections with Moscow.
Jaishankar reiterated that, in his view, Russia has not infringed upon India's interests, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship remains "stable and friendly."
Speaking from Munich, where he attended a significant security conference, Jaishankar highlighted the enduring and amicable nature of India's ties with Russia, emphasizing the importance of considering all aspects of the relationship.
Addressing the issue of energy procurement, Jaishankar defended India's decision to continue buying Russian crude oil and gas. He pointed out that India's purchases helped stabilize global energy prices, preventing a further surge in costs that would have occurred if other buyers had entirely shifted away from Russian sources.
Jaishankar firmly stood by India's stance on purchasing Russian oil despite facing Western sanctions, dismissing concerns from other countries.
During a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar responded assertively to questions about India's balancing act between its partnerships with the US and its trade relations with Russia. He emphasized the strategic wisdom of maintaining multiple options and expressed confidence in India's ability to navigate its relationships effectively.
This response drew smiles from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock, who were also part of the panel.
In his interview with Handelsblatt, Jaishankar conveyed optimism about India's relations with Europe and Germany, indicating that they are progressing positively. However, he refrained from committing to whether a free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) would be finalized this year.
Jaishankar also highlighted Germany's potential as a supplier of military equipment to India, underscoring the opportunities for collaboration in this domain.
