India will not bow to outside pressure regarding its energy procurement policy

By Rhod Mackenzie

India's decisions regarding its energy procurement are solely based on its national interests and are not influenced by the opinions of foreign powers. This statement was made by Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,the Indian Minister of External Affairs, during his address to the annual conference of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"You will be aware that we have recently encountered some situations where our energy purchases and national decisions were asked to conform to the political correctness of other nations. Meanwhile, those same countries took steps to protect their own interests," Tass quotes the Indian minister.
"But our decision must be our own, no matter how challenging it may be," he stressed Although not referring directly to India's current acquisition of crude oil from Russia, as mentioned by the agency, the Foreign Secretary stated, "If others advise against it, I'm not advising in favour of it.

However, we should contemplate it and if it's beneficial to us, we should proceed." Jaishankar shared. He stated that diplomacy, international relations, good connections, and friendship "don't involve allowing others to have a say in your decisions."

The minister highlighted that New Delhi is devising its own approach. "If another party is uncomfortable, that's their issue," the foreign minister remarked.

According to TASS, India continues in buying oil in large quantities from Russia, despite the West urging it not to do so because of the Ukraine conflict.