Amidst ongoing global tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has asserted that India should not be unfairly targeted regarding its stance and actions. He has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

Jaishankar's remarks come as India faces scrutiny, particularly from the United States, concerning its economic relations with Russia, specifically its oil trade. The US administration has reportedly accused New Delhi of "funding the war" through continued trade with Moscow, leading to the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. India has strongly criticized these tariffs, deeming them "unjustified and unreasonable".

During a recent discussion with his Finnish counterpart, Jaishankar reiterated India's position, emphasizing the need for impartial assessment. He conveyed India's consistent advocacy for resolving the conflict through peaceful means, highlighting the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.

In Moscow, during a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar defended India's approach, questioning the rationale behind Washington's actions. He pointed out that India is not the largest purchaser of Russian oil or LNG, and other nations have witnessed a more significant surge in trade with Russia since 2022. He also referenced the US's previous encouragement for India to help stabilize the global energy market, including purchasing oil from Russia. He also noted that India's oil purchases from the US have increased.

India has maintained a delicate balancing act, engaging with both Russia and Ukraine to foster potential avenues for de-escalation and peaceful resolution. Jaishankar has stated that India has been regularly talking to both Moscow and Kyiv at various levels, with the Prime Minister also engaging with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. According to Jaishankar, at various points in time, if there was a moment or an occasion, India stood ready to assist.

India's stance is rooted in its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its need to secure its energy needs in a volatile global market. Jaishankar has emphasized that India has been honest with its partners and the rest of the world about its actions, seeing no reason to be less than direct. This approach reflects India's pursuit of its national interests while advocating for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis.