New Delhi: After the attacks on Ukraine, America and European countries have imposed various economic sanctions on Russia. In such a situation, despite the pressure of America, India is continuously buying oil from Russia at a low price. Now amidst these criticisms, Indian Foreign Minister S. S. Jaishankar has clarified the reason for buying crude oil from Russia. He says that the Indian government’s attitude towards importing crude oil from Russia has been very honest. Addressing the Indian community in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that due to rising oil and gas prices, every country wants to get the best deal for its citizens. Jaishankar said, the per capita income of my country is 2000 dollars. These people cannot afford such expensive oil, so it is my moral duty to make the best deal possible for the people of my country.
My country’s per capita income is $2000, they can’t afford expensive oil: Foreign Minister
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that oil prices are very high at this time. Not only oil, gas prices have also increased tremendously. Many Asian oil suppliers are moving to Europe as Europe buys less oil and gas from Russia. Instead it is buying more oil from Europe, the Middle East and other sources. This is the situation today, every country will try to make the best deal for its citizens. It will also try to mitigate the impact of rising oil and gas prices. We are doing the same. India is not doing this defensively. We are very clear about our interests. My country’s per capita income is 2000 dollars. These people cannot afford expensive oil. So it is my moral duty to make sure I get the best deal for them.
World accepts India’s position to buy crude oil from Russia: External Affairs Minister
Jaishankar said, I think once you make things clear honestly, people accept it, of course they don’t appreciate it. Many countries including America are aware of India’s situation. Amidst the attack on Ukraine, the world has now accepted India’s stance of buying crude oil from Russia. India did not remain on the defensive about this decision, rather it made other countries realize that they have some responsibility towards the people of their country. He was asked questions on India-US relations, continuing to buy crude oil from Russia during the attack on Ukraine.
75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar arrived in Bangkok on the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand. He attended the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission here. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has already defended India’s move to buy crude from Russia on several public platforms. In April this year, he had said at the 2+2 ministerial level talks in the US that the amount of oil India buys from Russia in a month is probably less than what Europe buys from Russia in a day.