Munich Security Conference turned into a platform for India to assert its energy independence as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar countered US narratives on Russian oil imports. Dismissing claims by President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio, Jaishankar clarified that New Delhi’s choices on crude purchases hinge on market realities, not foreign mandates.
Recent US sanctions have targeted Russian energy, prompting Washington to tout supposed commitments from India to limit extra imports. Trump boasted earlier this month that India agreed to buy more from the US and less from Russia, while Rubio echoed this during talks, praising Europe’s parallel shifts.
Addressing the conference, Jaishankar rooted India’s stance in its historical commitment to strategic autonomy. ‘This is deeply embedded in our history and development—beyond mere politics,’ he noted. On energy specifics, he described the global market as intricate, where firms evaluate supply availability, pricing, and associated risks to optimize outcomes.
The minister’s direct retort to queries about the India-US trade pact was telling: India will retain freedom to decide, even if diverging from US expectations. This comes after an interim trade agreement, yet New Delhi has offered no official validation to Washington’s interpretations.
India’s oil strategy reflects broader geopolitical savvy. Facing surging demand and volatile supplies, the country has turned to discounted Russian barrels to shield consumers from price shocks. Jaishankar’s intervention highlights a refusal to be boxed into alliances, prioritizing national interests over pressure tactics.
As the conference unfolded, his words carried weight, signaling to global powers that India’s foreign policy remains self-directed. In an era of sanctions and supply chain disruptions, this autonomy ensures resilience, positioning India as a pivotal player in reshaping energy dynamics.