India remains firmly committed to its long-standing policy of “strategic autonomy,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday, amid claims from Washington that New Delhi has agreed to halt imports of Russian crude oil.
Speaking during an interactive session alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s energy procurement decisions are guided by commercial considerations rather than political pressure.
He noted that the global energy market is complex and that Indian oil companies — like their counterparts in Europe and elsewhere — evaluate availability, cost, and risk before making purchasing decisions.
“We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it is very much a part of our history and our evolution. It cuts across the political spectrum as well,” Jaishankar stated.His remarks come against the backdrop of a US claim that India has committed to discontinuing Russian oil imports under the provisions of a trade arrangement. India has neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Energy Decisions Based on National InterestJaishankar clarified that India retains the right to make independent policy choices, even where they may diverge from Western partners.
“We would not necessarily agree on everything. But if there is an inclination to find common ground, that would happen,” he said.“Would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions, even if they do not align with your thinking? Yes, it can happen.”The comments follow a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, after which both sides announced a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent from 50 percent.
The move included the removal of a 25 percent tariff imposed last August over India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
Call for UN ReformsJaishankar also reiterated India’s longstanding position on reforming the United Nations, citing significant global shifts over the past five years.
He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and the rise of China as developments that underscore the need for institutional reform within the UN system.
According to Jaishankar, the changing geopolitical landscape requires multilateral institutions to adapt in order to remain effective and representative. (Source: TOI)
