New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has revealed that the United States had specifically encouraged India to continue purchasing Russian crude oil in 2022 following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that such purchases would help stabilize global energy markets during a period of severe supply disruptions. The remarks have added a new dimension to the long-running debate over India’s energy ties with Russia.
Speaking at a public event, Jaishankar said India increased imports of Russian oil after the Ukraine war began because the crude was readily available and competitively priced. He noted that Washington had urged New Delhi to keep buying Russian oil to prevent a major shock to global energy supplies and contain soaring oil prices.
The minister’s comments come amid continued criticism from some Western countries over India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude. Jaishankar defended India’s position, stating that energy security and the welfare of Indian consumers remain the government’s primary considerations when making procurement decisions.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Russian crude’s share in India’s import basket surged dramatically as refiners took advantage of discounted prices offered by Moscow following Western sanctions.
According to Jaishankar, the international context at the time was very different from today’s geopolitical environment. Major economies were concerned about a sharp rise in oil prices and the risk of supply shortages following sanctions imposed on Russia. India’s continued purchases helped ensure that Russian oil remained available in global markets rather than being completely removed from circulation.
The minister also pushed back against criticism from European nations, arguing that some countries questioning India’s energy policy had themselves maintained economic engagements that served their own national interests. He emphasized that India has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy based on strategic autonomy and economic necessity.
India has repeatedly maintained that its oil procurement decisions are guided by commercial considerations rather than geopolitical alignments. Government officials have stressed that the country will purchase energy from sources that offer reliable supplies and competitive prices.
The revelation is significant because it highlights the complexity of global energy diplomacy during the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. While Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow, several US officials had previously indicated that purchases of Russian oil by countries such as India could help prevent extreme volatility in global energy markets.
India remains one of the world’s largest energy consumers and imports nearly 90 percent of its crude oil requirements. Ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies is considered crucial for sustaining economic growth and controlling inflation.
Although India has diversified its energy sources in recent years, Russia continues to remain a major supplier of crude oil. At the same time, India has expanded energy cooperation with countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others to strengthen long-term energy security.
Jaishankar’s remarks are likely to reignite discussions on the role India played in maintaining stability in global oil markets during one of the most turbulent periods in recent energy history. The statement also underscores New Delhi’s position that its energy decisions have always been guided by national interest rather than external pressure.
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global energy flows, India’s experience highlights the delicate balance between energy security, economic priorities and international diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
