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India’s foreign minister stated that his country is anticipating a gesture of gratitude for purchasing Russian oil, which has helped alleviate pressure on prices in other regions.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India deserves recognition for its role in calming the oil markets through its decision to not compete with Western countries in the race for alternative sources.
During the final portion of his five-day trip to the UK, he shared his thoughts with experienced journalist Lionel Barber in an interview.
After Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India turned to Moscow as its main supplier of oil, as European nations who were previously customers of Russia began imposing sanctions on their exports.
“Our purchase policies have actually had a softening effect on the oil and gas markets,” stated Mr. Jaishankar.
“We have successfully controlled global inflation, so people should express gratitude.”
“Would you be providing a service?” inquired Barber.
“Definitely, I am anticipating the expression of gratitude,” responded Mr. Jaishankar. “Regarding the purchase, I believe the international oil prices would have risen since we would have been competing in the same market with the same suppliers as Europe, and ultimately, Europe would have had better pricing than us.”
He commended the strong relationship between India and Russia, highlighting their over 70-year history of stable ties.
The leading Indian diplomat initiated his trip to the UK on Sunday. Afterwards, he held meetings with Rishi Sunak and the recently appointed foreign secretary David Cameron, as the British cabinet underwent a significant reorganization due to the dismissal of Suella Braverman.
Mr. Jaishankar referred to his trip as “well-timed” after a string of bipartisan meetings and stated that there has been “significant advancement” in ongoing discussions for a free trade agreement with the UK.
India started receiving inquiries about their interactions with Russia following Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.
New Delhi shifted away from its usual providers, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and instead obtained cheaper barrels from Russia.
Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, has not directly condemned Russia, which has been the largest provider of military equipment to India for many years.
Mr Modi has called for peace and dialogue amid the war, and his strongest statement to date for Mr Putin had come last year.
Mr Jaishankar has defended his country against criticism. He had earlier said that, as the world’s third-largest consumer of oil and gas, India had to look after its own national interests and will continue buying Russian oil.
During his interview, Mr. Jaishankar addressed Canada’s accusations in September claiming to have “credible” proof of the Indian government’s role in the assassination of Canadian-Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India has dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Mr Jaishankar stated that India is open to collaborating with Canada, but requested proof to support their assertions.
“If you have evidence to support your allegation, please share it with us. We are not dismissing the possibility of an investigation,” stated Mr. Jaishankar, reaffirming India’s stance on the matter.
According to him, Ottawa has allowed for the expression of “violent and extreme political beliefs that promote separatism from India.”
These individuals have been integrated into the Canadian political system. They are granted the liberty to express their opinions.
In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his thoughts and has since called on the Indian government to help with the investigations.
The accusations have caused a diplomatic dispute between the nations.
In the previous month, Canada had requested 41 diplomats to return from India following Delhi’s warning of removing diplomatic protection for its employees. Canada deemed this action as “unjustified” and a breach of international regulations regarding diplomatic ties.
Rewording not possible as it is the source of information from independent.co.uk.
