India will continue to pursue its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday, making it clear that New Delhi’s energy choices will be determined by economic and security considerations rather than external pressure.
Speaking during a discussion with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar addressed questions over Washington’s claim that India had agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.
Energy Imports Guided by National Interest
Describing the global energy market as “complex,” Jaishankar said Indian oil companies evaluate availability, price and risk before making procurement decisions. “As far as energy issues are concerned, this is a complex market today. Oil companies in India — as in Europe and elsewhere — look at availability, look at costs, look at risks and take decisions that they feel are in their best interest,” he said.
India has neither confirmed nor denied the US assertion that it committed to ending Russian oil purchases under a trade understanding.
The issue surfaced after a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Following the conversation, both governments announced a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. The rollback included scrapping a 25 per cent tariff imposed last year in response to India’s continued imports of Russian crude.
‘Independent-Minded’ Choices
Jaishankar stressed that strategic autonomy is deeply rooted in India’s political consensus and historical experience. “We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it is very much a part of our history and our evolution. It cuts across the political spectrum,” he said.
He added that while India seeks common ground with partners in the West, it retains the freedom to make decisions that may not always align with their expectations. “If the bottom line of your question is — would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions, and would I make choices which may not agree with your thinking — yes, it can happen,” he said.
Push for UN Reforms
The external affairs minister also reiterated India’s call for reforms of the United Nations, arguing that global institutions must adapt to sweeping geopolitical shifts witnessed over the past five years — from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict to instability in the Middle East and the rise of China.
His remarks underscored New Delhi’s message that while it engages closely with major powers, its foreign and energy policies will ultimately be shaped by national priorities.
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