External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent sharp retort to President Donald Trump has resonated across the globe, signaling a new era of assertive diplomacy from India. In response to criticism about India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, Jaishankar delivered a concise and powerful message: “If you have a problem buying oil from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it.”
This statement, made at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, goes beyond a mere rebuttal. It encapsulates India’s steadfast commitment to strategic autonomy and the primacy of national interest in its foreign policy. The US administration, led by Trump, had threatened new tariffs on Indian goods, accusing the country of “profiteering” from its Russian oil imports, which have seen a significant increase.
Jaishankar’s defense highlighted the hypocrisy of the accusation. He pointed out that it was “funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business.” He also noted that India’s purchases were not just in its national interest but also served a global purpose by helping to stabilize oil prices.
This stance underscores a fundamental shift in India’s diplomatic approach. No longer is the country a passive player in international relations. It is now a confident and self-assured nation that is unafraid to draw “red lines” and defend its economic sovereignty. The minister also made it clear that while India values its relationship with the US, it will not compromise on the interests of its farmers and small producers, which are at the heart of the ongoing trade negotiations.
The incident is a clear example of India’s evolving role on the world stage—a nation that prioritizes its own interests, engages in pragmatic business, and rejects external pressures. It is a powerful message to all global powers that India’s foreign policy is guided by its own compass, not by the dictates of others.
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