Will India follow its own energy path? US can’t count on decisions – find out why | World News

New Delhi: Addressing allegations linking the India-US trade deal to the decline in Russia’s oil imports, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made it clear at the Munich Security Conference that the country will maintain its strategic independence in energy and foreign policy decisions.

He emphasized that the country’s decisions will be guided by its own national interests, not by pressures from outside. He noted that Washington should not assume that India will follow Washington in its energy choices.

The debate over Russia’s oil imports intensified after President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that India has committed to reduce or halt purchases of Russian oil and increase purchases of US energy products under the new trade deal.

Responding to these allegations, the foreign minister emphasized that strategic autonomy is central to India’s history and development. He explained that India will make decisions based on its own calculations, even if they differ from other countries’ perspectives.

He explained that oil companies operate with commercial considerations, weighing availability, costs and risks, and Indian companies act similarly to protect their own interests. He said the global situation is evolving and countries are increasingly making decisions based on their own interests rather than following outdated patterns in 2022 or 2023.

Data from industry tracker Kpler shows that India’s imports of Russian crude have already fallen to a three-year low, falling from 2.09 million barrels per day in June 2025 to 1.16 million barrels per day by January 2026. This decline reflects market volatility and sanctions-related risk factors rather than just political pressure.

Jaishankar also used the platform to highlight India’s efforts to balance relations with Europe and its role in BRICS; He emphasized trade agreements and United Nations reforms. While some Western countries expressed discomfort with India’s BRICS chairmanship, he said interaction with emerging economies was a priority.

European representatives recognized the importance of maintaining strong ties with India and Brazil despite the influence of Russia and China.

In the statement, it was emphasized that India will continue to chart its own path in global energy markets and diplomatic relations, and will prioritize commercial logic and national interests over external expectations.