Jaishankar Rebuts Rubio’s Remarks on Russian Oil, India Stresses Strategic Autonomy

Diplomatic discussions between India and the United States over crude oil purchases from Russia have taken an interesting turn. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that India had agreed to halt additional crude oil purchases from Russia created a stir. However, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed the remarks, reiterating that India remains committed to its “strategic autonomy” and that national interests are paramount .

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Marco Rubio said the United States was tightening sanctions on Russia in the backdrop of the Ukraine war. “In our discussions with India, they have assured us that they will not purchase additional oil from Russia,” Rubio stated. He indicated that a forthcoming trade agreement with the US, including tariff reductions, could be linked to this understanding. Rubio added that the US, along with Europe, was continuing diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia.

Responding at the same conference, Jaishankar clarified India’s position. “India has always been committed to strategic autonomy. It is part of our history and our evolution,” he emphasised. Addressing oil purchases, he noted that the global market is complex and that oil companies independently assess availability, cost, and logistics before making decisions. “If you are asking me whether I independently think and make decisions… yes, that is exactly what happens,” he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also refuted Rubio’s claims. “No one except US President Donald Trump has said that India will stop buying Russian oil,” Lavrov said in Moscow. He added that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor other senior Indian leaders had conveyed any such confirmation. Lavrov accused the US of intimidating other countries through sanctions and tariffs.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that energy security for India’s 1.4 billion people remains a top priority. He stated that oil companies make procurement decisions based on prevailing market conditions. India, he noted, does not depend on a single country and sources crude from multiple nations worldwide.

In January, India imported an average of 1.16 million barrels per day of crude oil from Russia. Although this marks the lowest level in the past three years, imports under existing contracts continue. India is treading cautiously, balancing its energy needs while maintaining ties with the United States.