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India unexpectedly received support from Finland regarding its acquisition of Russian oil. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that New Delhi operated within the limits of the oil price cap set by Western nations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During a panel at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined Valtonen and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh, Valtonen defended India's actions by saying that the Western price cap system was not meant to completely prevent countries from purchasing Russian oil. "In defense of India, it has bought oil within the price cap. That was the goal," Valtonen expressed. She continued, "When we established the oil price cap, we did not stop the world from purchasing Russian oil. The main purpose was not to disrupt the oil market but to ensure that oil remained available while preventing Russia from making excessive profits. " These comments were made as Jaishankar strongly supported India's energy policy and dismissed criticism regarding New Delhi's ongoing acquisition of Russian oil since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.
In response to inquiries about India's oil imports from Russia, Jaishankar mentioned that energy purchases were primarily based on practical needs rather than political affiliations. "I choose to buy oil depending on the price and availability," he explained. The minister recalled that the global energy landscape changed significantly after sanctions against Russia were imposed in 2022, compelling nations to look for new suppliers. "At that moment, a lot of the oil on the market came from Russia since Europeans were purchasing oil from the Middle East, which had been our usual supplier. The situation led us in a particular direction," he remarked. Jaishankar also pointed out what he referred to as contradictions in the Western stance on Russian energy. "During that time, the US specifically encouraged India to purchase Russian oil to help stabilize the oil market," he noted, adding, "Let’s not act as though a significant principle is at stake here. "
While discussing India's perspective on the Russia-Ukraine situation, Jaishankar provided one of his strongest rebuttals to European criticism. "European nations sell weapons that have been used to attack India for many years. We Indians have never done anything to threaten Europe. So remember that," he stated. His comments seemed directed at what New Delhi has perceived as biased criticism from certain European nations regarding India's foreign policy decisions. Jaishankar also dismissed claims suggesting a global shift away from the Gulf region. "Our primary oil supplier is Russia. Our largest gas supplier is the US, which changed after February 28 this year when Qatar held that position. Our ties with the Gulf are not solely about oil," he concluded.
His remarks showed how quickly global energy movements have shifted since the Ukraine war and emphasized India's attempts to broaden its energy options while keeping connections with various partners. Valtonen's input is expected to bolster India’s stance that its imports of Russian oil have continued to align with the guidelines set by Western countries, even as discussions persist regarding Moscow's energy sales and the broader geopolitical consequences of the Ukraine conflict.
