Indian Minister Criticizes European Countries' Dual Policies on Global Stage

On a visit to Finland on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar sharply criticized the dual policy of European countries. Jaishankar responded to a reporter's accusation that India was "more sympathetic" to Russia and buying Russian oil. During a panel discussion on "Emerging Powers and New Geopolitical Rivalries" at Kultaranta Talks, Jaishankar said that Europe sells weapons that are used to attack India, yet points the finger at India's policies. He said, "No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say the same about Europe's weapons with respect to India." The external affairs minister clarified that India took the decision to buy oil from Russia based on market price and availability. He pointed out that European countries were buying oil from the Middle East at the time, while Russian oil was available in abundance. Jaishankar said, "I buy oil based on price and availability." He also reminded the US that India had been critical of Russia's oil policy in the past.