(Image source from: Kashmirobserver.net)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized the double standards of European countries during his trip to Finland on Thursday, following a reporter's claim that India is "too sympathetic" to Russia and too eager to purchase oil from the country. While taking part in a discussion on "Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition" at the Kultaranta Talks, Jaishankar responded to the accusation by pointing out Europe’s unclear morals and held them responsible for selling arms to nations that threaten India. He emphasized that India has never acted in a way that harms Europe. "No country in Europe has faced attacks from Indian weaponry. I wish I could say the same about Europe’s weapons in relation to India," he stated. When asked to explain further, he reiterated, "Europe sells arms that are used to attack India. This has been happening for many years. We Indians have never taken action that endangered Europe. I think this is a fair statement. "

He also mentioned that India purchases Russian oil because the United States had specifically recommended it to stabilize the oil market. "I buy oil based on affordability and availability," he explained. Jaishankar highlighted that "At that time, much of the oil in the market came from Russia since Europeans were mainly buying Middle Eastern oil, which is our usual source. " "The situation pushed us to make certain choices," he added. He then pointed out the conflicting actions of the United States, which initially imposed tariffs on India and later removed the sanctions. "Right now, if you notice, after having first imposed tariffs on us for buying Russian oil, the US has now lifted its sanctions. . . Let’s not act as if there are high moral principles at stake here. I don’t believe making this about hypocrisy is necessary," he remarked. India has always defended its Russian oil purchases, asserting that its global energy needs are driven by national interests, the well-being of its citizens, and the security of its domestic energy supply, advocating for conversation and diplomacy to settle the issues related to the Ukraine conflict.