India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, strongly defended India’s energy policy amidst criticism from Western nations over its Russian oil imports during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Speaking to Italy’s Corriere della Sera, he stressed the need for nations to prioritize their interests and advocated diplomacy to resolve the war.

BulletsIn

• Jaishankar justified India’s Russian oil imports, citing national interests similar to Europe’s policies.
• Criticized Europe’s selective approach to disengagement from Russia, calling it inconsistent.
• Questioned why India should pay higher prices to align with Europe’s energy policies.
• Noted that Europe’s shift from Russian energy has driven up global oil prices, impacting countries worldwide.
• Advocated for dialogue and negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, rejecting a battlefield resolution.
• Urged greater global efforts to bring Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table.
• Stressed that the conflict has global implications, affecting nations beyond Europe.
• Highlighted India’s independent stance on global institutions, citing its non-membership in the ICC.
• Criticized ICC’s arrest warrants for Russian and Israeli leaders, emphasizing India’s sovereign views.