India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Indian-made weapons have never endangered Europe during talks in Finland on June 11, 2026 [1].

The statements highlight the growing tension between India's strategic autonomy and Western pressure regarding its economic and military ties with Russia.

Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks, held at the Finnish president's summer residence, Jaishankar responded to Western criticism of India's continued purchase of Russian oil [1, 2]. He argued that the criticism from the West is inconsistent with European military exports. "Europe's weapons have been used to attack us," Jaishankar said [1].

He said "Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India," suggesting a double standard in how the West views security threats and regional stability [2]. These remarks come as India continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its energy needs with diplomatic relations in the West.

During the event, Finnish President Alexander Stubb acknowledged India's standing on the global stage. Stubb said "India is an influential actor whose views are important" [2].

Jaishankar's defense of Russian oil imports is part of a broader effort to counter claims that India's policy choices endanger European security [1, 2]. By pointing to the end-use of European weaponry, the minister sought to pivot the conversation from India's trade with Russia to the impact of Western arms sales in Asia.

“"Europe's weapons have been used to attack us"”

Jaishankar's comments signal India's refusal to align its foreign policy entirely with Western sanctions or security narratives. By linking European arms exports to Indian security concerns, New Delhi is asserting that its purchase of Russian oil is a matter of national interest and is not comparable to the instability caused by the proliferation of Western weaponry in the region.