"Arm Our Enemies, Then Lecture Us on Oil?" Jaishankar's Sharp Question to the West

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong defence of India's foreign policy during the Kultaranta Talks in Finland , pushing back against Western criticism of New Delhi's position on the Russia-Ukraine war and accusing European nations of ignoring India's security concerns.

Responding to a question that suggested India had adopted a "morally ambiguous" stance on the conflict, Jaishankar said European countries have long supplied weapons that were eventually used against India, while New Delhi has never acted in a manner that threatened Europe's security.

“ No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons ,” he said, adding that several European nations had supplied military equipment over the years that was later used against India. “ We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe ,” the minister remarked, delivering one of his sharpest responses to Western criticism in recent years.

Defending India's decision to import Russian crude following the outbreak of the war in 2022, Jaishankar said the country was compelled to explore new energy sources after global supply chains were disrupted and traditional markets became difficult to access.

He also revealed that the United States had encouraged India to purchase Russian oil during the early stages of the conflict to help stabilize global energy markets and prevent a sharp rise in prices.

According to the minister, India did not significantly rely on Russian crude before 2022. However, changing global circumstances and the scramble for energy supplies forced many countries, including India, to reassess their sourcing strategies.

Jaishankar also criticised what he described as inconsistent Western policies toward Russia. Referring to sanctions that were imposed and later relaxed, he argued that major powers often adjust their positions based on strategic interests while expecting other nations to follow a different standard.

He stressed that India's energy policy is guided by practical considerations such as affordability, availability and national energy security rather than geopolitical pressures. Ensuring reliable and reasonably priced energy for more than a billion people, he said, remains a top priority for New Delhi.