India’s Foreign Minister Calls Russia a Steady Oil Supplier; Slams US for Flip-Flopping on Sanctions

India’s top diplomat Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has openly praised Russia as a reliable crude oil supplier. He sharply criticized Washington for its inconsistent and politically driven sanctions policy imposing and then lifting restrictions as it pleased.

India Turned to Russian Oil Out of Necessity And Found a Dependable Partner

India only began buying Russian crude in large volumes from 2022 onwards. The shift came not by choice but driven by global market circumstances. Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks forum in Finland, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar defended India’s energy decisions with remarkable candor.

“We started buying Russian oil in significant volumes only in 2022. We were pushed into this market by circumstances,” he said plainly.

Jaishankar noted that Russia proved to be a consistent and dependable energy partner offering oil at competitive prices without political strings attached.

“They put the cargo up for sale, and you go and buy the oil that is most available and has the best price,” he explained.

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US Told India to Buy Russian Oil Then Punished It for Doing So

The foreign minister also revealed a glaring contradiction in Washington’s approach. The United States had earlier urged India to purchase Russian crude explicitly to help stabilize global energy markets. Yet, last year Washington turned around and imposed sanctions on India for doing exactly that.

Then, almost as quickly Washington rolled back those very sanctions when it suited American interests. Jaishankar made clear he saw through the double standard entirely.

“When they are imposed and lifted when it is convenient and not when it is inconvenient we are all adults here. We know what the game is,” he said bluntly.

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Washington Pressured New Delhi Then Granted a Special License

The White House had earlier tried to pressure India into cutting Russian oil purchases including through tariffs on Indian exports. Neither New Delhi nor Moscow signaled any halt to oil supplies.

However, the situation shifted dramatically after a US military operation against Iran and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington then issued India a general license to continue importing Russian oil.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on May 18 that Washington extended its sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil deliveries by another 30 days after the previous exemption expired on May 16. Analysts noted the extension likely aimed at cooling oil prices which had surged sharply following the strike on Iran.

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Rosneft Chief Reaffirms Russia’s Commitment to Energy Partners

Rosneft chief Igor Sechin stated earlier this month that Russia guarantees stable oil supplies to both China and India reinforcing Moscow’s position as a long-term energy partner for Asia’s two largest economies.