Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recounted an incident where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a robust response to European leaders who questioned New Delhi's decision to procure crude oil from Moscow amidst the Ukraine conflict. Lavrov shared this anecdote during his participation in the World Youth Forum in Sochi, Russia, shedding light on Jaishankar's firm stance.
Lavrov, characterizing Jaishankar as a "friend," detailed how Jaishankar, during a speech at the UN, swiftly countered inquiries about India's increased oil purchases from Russia. Jaishankar advised European leaders to focus on their own affairs, highlighting the West's reliance on Russian oil imports. This, according to Lavrov, epitomized national pride and dignity.
The context of Lavrov's remarks underscores the ongoing critique from European quarters against India's procurement of Russian crude oil, seen as undermining Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its incursion into Ukraine in February 2022.
India's strategic pivot towards Russian oil, despite geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict, is noteworthy. The country notably ramped up its oil imports from Russia, leveraging discounted prices amidst global sanctions. The surge in imports, from zero in January 2022 to 1.27 million barrels per day by January 2023, reflects this shift.
Throughout 2023, India's oil imports from Russia doubled to 1.79 million barrels per day, surpassing traditional suppliers like Iraq. Jaishankar, in an interview with Handelsblatt, emphasized India's pragmatic approach, highlighting the necessity of securing energy supplies amidst Europe's redirection of energy procurement to the Middle East.
Jaishankar's defense of India's oil trade with Russia reiterated at the Munich Security Conference, resonated with global observers. He underscored India's strategic autonomy, emphasizing the nation's capacity to diversify its energy sources. This sentiment was met with amusement from fellow panelists, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock, acknowledging India's shrewd diplomatic maneuvering.
