Jaishankar justifies India’s decision to buy Russian oil: ‘It is my moral duty to get Indians the best deal’

Justifying India’s decision to import Russian crude oil amidst the Ukraine war, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Wednesday that his moral duty is to ensure the best deal for Indians, most of whom cannot afford high energy prices.

“We have been very honest about our interests. I have a country with a per capita income of $2,000. These aren’t people who can afford higher energy prices. It is my obligation… my moral duty to ensure that I get them the best deal I can,” he said.

He was speaking during an interaction with the Indian community in Bangkok, Thailand.