Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the United States for applying inconsistent tariffs and sanctions regarding Russian oil during a visit to Finland.
The comments highlight a growing tension between New Delhi and Washington over energy security and the perceived hypocrisy of Western sanctions. This friction underscores India's effort to maintain strategic autonomy while navigating a volatile global energy market.
Jaishankar said the West applies a selective moral lens to complex issues in global trade and energy security. He specifically targeted the U.S. approach to sanctions, saying, "Do it when it suits them, don't when it doesn't."
The minister defended India's decision to become a major buyer of Russian oil [2]. He said India bought Russian oil on the request of the United States to keep global oil prices low [2]. This shift in procurement began in 2022 after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia [1].
According to Jaishankar, the subsequent imposition of U.S. tariffs represents a flip-flop in policy. He said such shifts in the American stance harm market stability and contradict the initial goal of price stabilization. The minister said these changing regulations are driven by self-interest rather than a consistent global policy.
The diplomatic exchange in Finland serves as a public critique of how the U.S. manages its allies during geopolitical crises. By referencing the 2022 request, Jaishankar positioned India not as a sanctions-evader, but as a partner that acted in accordance with global economic stability goals.
“"Do it when it suits them, don't when it doesn't."”
This confrontation signals India's refusal to align its energy policy entirely with Western geopolitical objectives. By claiming the U.S. encouraged Russian oil imports to prevent a global price spike, Jaishankar is challenging the narrative that India's trade is a violation of international norms, instead framing it as a necessity for global economic stability.
