**Title: Indian Foreign Minister Defends Continued Russian Oil Purchases Amid Ukraine Conflict**
**Kiev, Ukraine** – India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has publicly defended the country’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, asserting that restrictions on energy trade will not lead to a resolution of the Ukraine conflict. His comments came during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in the Ukrainian capital, where he emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation.
Jaishankar stated, “This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or alumina or minerals or metals or fertilizer.” He underscored that a peaceful resolution can only be achieved through negotiation, rather than through economic sanctions or trade restrictions.
India has been a significant buyer of Russian oil, with recent data indicating that Russia supplied approximately 2.1 million barrels per day to India last month, accounting for about 45% of the country's crude oil imports. This figure, however, marks a decrease from a peak of 2.8 million barrels per day in July, as Indian refiners adjusted their purchasing strategies.
Jaishankar was asked about the potential impact of new sanctions that the U.S. Congress is considering, which could impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas. This legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, has already passed the Senate and is now awaiting deliberation in the House of Representatives. Ukraine has been actively lobbying for the bill's passage.
In response to concerns regarding U.S. sanctions, Jaishankar pointed out the challenges India faces in securing energy for its population of 1.4 billion people, particularly in the current global energy landscape, which he described as “very, very difficult.” He also noted that while India respects Ukraine’s perspective on the issue of Russian energy, it expects its own position to be acknowledged as well.
During the meeting, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance that the ongoing conflict will only lead to further death and destruction. He expressed India’s willingness to assist both parties in finding a peaceful resolution. This diplomatic approach aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he emphasized the need to transition from “endless war to the end of war.”
Jaishankar’s visit to Ukraine marks the first dedicated bilateral trip by an Indian external affairs minister since the onset of the conflict. The Indian government has maintained a careful balance in its relations with both Russia and Ukraine, navigating the complexities of international diplomacy amid the ongoing war.
As the situation continues to evolve, India’s position on Russian oil purchases remains a focal point of international scrutiny, particularly as Western nations consider further sanctions aimed at curbing Russian energy exports. The outcome of these discussions and the potential implications for global energy markets are yet to be seen.