Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sparked a moment of levity at the Munich Security Conference while firmly defending Indias decision to buy Russian oil, despite Western sanctions and disapproval.Facing questions about Indias balancing act between its growing ties with the United States and its ongoing trade with Russia, Jaishankar delivered a characteristically sharp response. Is that a problem, why should that be a problem he challenged the audience. If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me.Panel discussion at the @MunSecConf.#MSC2024 pic.twitter.com/oJ5m652aBz— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 17, 2024Antony Blinken breaks into a smileHis witty retort drew smiles from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock, who were also participating in the panel discussion.Jaishankars statement underscores Indias stance that its energy purchases are a sovereign decision, driven by its own economic needs and not influenced by external pressures. He further emphasized the impracticality of expecting countries to maintain one-dimensional relationships in a complex and interconnected world.West criticises Indias oil trade with RussiaThis comes amidst ongoing Western criticism of Indias continued oil trade with Russia, with which India shares historical ties and long-standing defense cooperation. Jaishankar previously dismissed such criticism by highlighting the significant disparity in oil purchases. Indias monthly intake from Russia pales in comparison to Europes daily consumption.EAM Jaishankar gave savage responses as he was grilled about Indias multipolarity, Russia-India ties at security conference in Munich, This time with American foreign minister Blinkon sitting next to him 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/yBZCnpql6r— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 17, 2024He also pointed out that Indias actions have helped keep global oil prices in check, potentially benefiting all consumers, including European nations.However, Jaishankar acknowledged the nuanced nature of Indias relationships with both the US and Russia. He stressed that different relationships have different histories and emotional contexts, rejecting an unsentimentally transactional characterization. We get along with people, he said, but sometimes, there will be choices.The external affairs minister rejected attempts to label India as anti-West, instead defining it as non-West but deeply engaged with Western countries. He emphasized the positive trajectory of Indias relationships with Western nations, citing them as getting better by the day.
