Jaishankar hits out at 'campaign' against India for buying Russian oil

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”. Jaishankar was speaking at the first India-UK Strategic Futures Forum (IUSFF),where UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was also present. The event was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs’ think tank, Indian Council for World Affairs. The minister pointed out that European countries remained the biggest buyers of oil and gas from Russia despite the sanctions. He added that India’s own energy purchases were mostly from the Middle East and from the US.

"There was a report that Europe has bought 15% more oil and gas from Russia in March than in February". “When the oil prices go up, I think it is natural for the countries to go out into the market and look for what are good deals for their people,” he said. Jaishankar pointed out that the major buyers of Russian oil and gas were from Europe, whereas the bulk of India’s energy supplies are from the Middle East and almost 8% is from the US. Less than 1% of India’s crude purchases were from Russia, he added. His remarks came hours after US deputy national security adviser Daleep Singh said Washington didn’t want to see any rapid acceleration in India’s energy purchases from Russia.

Jaishankar and Truss also attended the Annual Strategic Review of Roadmap 2030 in a meeting in New Delhi on Thursaday. India and UK have made good progress on all its pillars.

Just concluded the Annual Strategic Review of Roadmap 2030 with UK FS @trussliz.

Noted that we have made good progress on all its pillars.Promising prospects in trade and investments, defence & security, migration & mobility, S&T, education, climate cooperation and green energy. pic.twitter.com/iKQMoGycP7

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 31, 2022

Truss said the UK intends to end its dependence on Russian oil by end of 2022. The UK is also looking to achieve a timetable with the G7 to reduce dependence on Russian energy, she said. “I think it is very important that we respect other countries’ decisions about the issues they face. India is a sovereign nation. I am not going to tell India what to do,” she added.