S Jaishankar Slams Double Standards Over Russian Oil

S Jaishankar strongly defended India’s import of crude oil from Russia.

New Delhi:

India on Monday firmly defended its crude oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Limits on Russian crude at $60 per barrel come into effect.

At a press conference following extensive talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Mr Jaishankar also noted that Europe cannot make a choice to prioritize its energy needs while asking New Delhi to do something about it. another, asserted that discussions between India and Russia to expand the trade basket began much before the start of the Ukraine conflict.

The two foreign ministers also signed a bilateral mobility agreement to make it easier for people to study and work in each other’s countries even as the two sides vowed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of defense and security. security, trade, climate change and clean energy.

During a joint press conference, the German foreign minister, referring to China’s growing aggression, said China has changed a lot in the past few years and “I think the whole region can see and feel it.” get this.”

“In Germany, we’ve seen what it means for you to become strongly dependent on a country, a country that doesn’t share your values. So in terms of political and security policy aspects As well as developments in the region, we will work closely with our partners in the region,” she said.

Baerbock, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit, also made sure to cut visa delays for Indians. The situation in Afghanistan, developments in the Indo-Pacific and cross-border terrorism from Pakistan were also mentioned in the talks.

On the question of India’s crude oil imports from Russia, Mr. Jaishankar gave a strong justification and said that New Delhi and Moscow had been negotiating to expand their trade relations long before February 24 when the conflict broke out. Ukraine begins.

Mr. Jaishankar’s strong comments come as the G7’s cap on Russian oil prices at $60 a barrel comes into effect.

“I understand that there is a conflict situation (in Ukraine.) I also understand that Europe has a position and Europe will make the choices they will make, that is Europe’s right. But leave it to Europe. make priority choices for its energy needs and then ask India to do something else…”, he said.

Mr Jaishankar said European purchases of crude oil from the Middle East were also putting pressure on prices.

“And remember, today, Europe is buying a lot of (crude oil) from the Middle East. The Middle East has traditionally been a supplier to an economy like India. So it puts pressure on prices. in the Middle East when it was good. We were very, very understanding about European options and European policies,” said Mr. Jaishankar.

The foreign minister also said Europe bought more fossil fuels than India between February and November.

“I think first we need to define the facts clearly. From February 24 to November 17, the European Union imported more fossil fuels from Russia than the next 10 countries. combined. The amount of oil imported in the European Union is 6 times higher than that of India. The gas is endless because we do not import while the European Union has imported (gas) worth (gas) 50 billion euros,” Jaishankar said.

He said even the European Union’s coal imports from Russia are 50% more than India’s imports.

India’s oil imports from Russia have increased significantly over the past few months. New Delhi has been asserting that its fundamental obligation is to ensure that Indian consumers have the best possible access on terms that are most favorable to the international market.

In his opening remarks at the press conference, Baerbock spoke of the global impact of “Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine” and described it as an “illegal war” that has brought the whole world into a “very difficult situation”. It also creates difficulties for your country (India) in terms of energy and fertilizer supply,” she said.

Regarding India’s overall position in the conflict, Mr Jaishankar said it was “very clear and very public”.

“India’s position that my prime minister has made clear is that this is not an era of war and dialogue and diplomacy is the answer. It is a position that the G20 has also accepted. It is expressed in claim their Bali,” he said.

Mr Jaishankar said what the basis of the dialogue is is something the countries involved will have to decide. “India is not a designator or an advocate.” When asked if Russia shared a list of trade items with India, Jaishankar only said both sides had discussed how to expand trade.

The foreign minister said India’s trade with Russia is “quite small” and it is in the range of $12-13 billion.

For now, the ongoing discussion is about what either party can import from the other.

“I think a lot of it will be decided by the market because in our country the business is mostly in the hands of the private sector. But I don’t think people should read anything more about it than wonder. legitimate hope of any trading country to increase its trade,” he said.

When asked about the challenges from China, Baerbock said Germany is pursuing a three-part strategy. “China is seen as a partner in global challenges, a competitor and increasingly a competitor.”

“China has changed a lot in the last few years, and I think the whole region can see and feel this. So it’s very important for us to communicate with regional parties, especially India as a direct neighbour.It is very important for us to have a good assessment of the challenges ahead,” she said.

She said Germany is considering strengthening cooperation with India on the Indo-Pacific.

“There is huge potential for German and European companies. So far we are focusing on China and Japan… When it comes to India, we both emphasize that there is great potential. large for further cooperation both on economic relations and on the security situation,” she said.

When asked if Germany considers India an “alternative partner” to China, the minister replied “no” and added, “India has always been a partner of Germany and also a partner of the Union Europe.” The German foreign minister’s visit is seen as part of preparations for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India next year.

During their talks, the two foreign ministers also mentioned India’s G-20 presidency, UN Security Council reform and cooperation in third countries.

“We have a common interest in ensuring not only a stronger global economy but also a safer global economy. It has been a very productive morning indeed,” Mr. Jaishankar said. .

Regarding the mobile pact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was a testament to India’s rapidly expanding multifaceted strategic partnership with Germany.

“Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act 2020 has expanded opportunities for workers from non-EU countries. Through a new law to be passed in early 2023, the German government proposes to facilitate significantly favorable conditions for the immigration of qualified workers from abroad,” it said.

The MEA says the pact is part of an overall effort to create a network of agreements with countries with potential labor markets with the dual goals of creating a visa regime that is favorable to migrants. India has access to the labor markets of these countries.

“The agreement contains specific provisions to facilitate mobility and employment opportunities to promote skills and talent exchange,” it said.

These include an academic assessment center in New Delhi, an 18-month student residence permit extension, 3,000 annual job-seeking visas, liberalization of short-term multiple-entry visas, and formalities. reasonable re-entry.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)