India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp retort to European critics regarding India's ties with Russia and its continued purchase of Russian oil. Speaking at the 14th edition of the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, Jaishankar firmly stated that no Indian weapon has ever been used to attack a European country, contrasting this with European arms sales that have historically impacted India.
Addressing "Moral Ambiguity" on Russian Oil
During a discussion titled "Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition," Jaishankar was questioned about India's perceived sympathy towards Russia and its willingness to acquire Russian oil. He was joined by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh.
Jaishankar clarified India’s position on oil procurement, stating, "I buy oil based on cost and availability. At that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was Russian because Europeans were essentially buying up the Middle East oil, which was our traditional supplier. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction." This underscored India's practical approach to energy security.
The Weaponry Rebuttal
The conversation then shifted to the "moral ambiguity" of India's stance, prompting Jaishankar's direct challenge. He asserted, "No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for European weapons vis-à-vis India. So keep that in mind."
When pressed to elaborate, Jaishankar explained, "Europeans sell weapons which are used to attack India, not now but for many, many years. We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe. I think that’s a reasonable point." His remarks highlighted a perceived double standard in the geopolitical discourse.
Strengthening India-Europe Cooperation
Despite these pointed exchanges, Jaishankar also emphasized the positive trajectory of India-Europe relations. He noted significant developments opening new avenues for defense and strategic cooperation. These include the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union and the finalization of a Comprehensive Mobility Cooperation Framework. These initiatives, he stated, reflect the "growing depth" of the relationship, indicating a future of broader engagement beyond current geopolitical frictions.