India’s energy decisions guided by national interest, says MEA Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday asserted that India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy even as the global energy markets evolve and partnerships shift amid a question over whether a recent trade agreement with the United States would affect New Delhis energy ties with RussiaSpeaking at the Munich Security Conference Jaishankar was asked whether the new trade agreement with the US would compel India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil potentially impacting its strategic autonomy We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because its very much a part of our history and our evolution Its something which is very deep and its something which cuts across the political spectrum as well he saidAddressing concerns over energy sourcing the minister described the global oil market as complex and dynamic stressing that commercial considerations guide procurement decisions As for energy issues this is a complex market today Oil companies in India as in Europe as probably in other parts of the world look at availability look at costs look at risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest he notedJaishankar said that in a rapidly changing global environment countries continuously reassess their calculations and partnerships So many things are changing and so many of us are doing our calculations and recalculations he said adding that while India may not agree with all partners on every issue dialogue and a willingness to find common ground remain important We would not necessarily agree on everything but I do believe that by doing that and if there is an inclination to find common ground and overlaps that would happen he saidEmphasising Indias independent decisionmaking Jaishankar concluded If the bottom line of your question is would I remain independentminded and make my decisions And would I make choices which sometimes may not agree with your thinking or somebody elses thinking yes it can happenExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met with G7 Foreign Ministers and their global counterparts at the Munich Security Conference 2026 reiterating Indias support for the UN80 agenda and underscoring New Delhis role in safeguarding global security He also emphasised Indias role in safeguarding the sea lines of communication acting as a first responder in crises strengthening port security and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructureEarlier on February 9 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that national interest would continue to guide Indias energyrelated decisions underlining that the key drivers of the countrys energy policy are adequate availability fair pricing and reliability of supply amid reports suggesting New Delhi is cutting its oil imports from RussiaSpeaking during a Special Briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA here Misri stated that decisions in the energy sector whether by the government or businesses would be guided by national interests while clarifying the issue of actual sourcingMisri clarified that oil companies make procurement decisions based on market conditions including availability risk assessment costs and logistics while adhering to internal accountability and fiduciary responsibilitiesAs far as the actual sourcing of energy is concerned this is undertaken by oil companies which make decisions based on market conditions They assess availability evaluate risks analyse costs and follow their internal accountability processes and fiduciary responsibilities At any given time there is a complex matrix of considerations including financial and logistical aspects that these companies must take into account he statedWhat you will continue to see in this sector are business choices being made based on these considerations Whether it is the government or businesses national interest will continue to guide our choices he added Misri noted India is a net importer in the oil and gas sector and as a developing economy must remain conscious of its resource availability and the impact of import dependence on inflationHe added that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains a top priority for the government Highlighting the volatility in global energy markets in recent years the Foreign Secretary said that India along with many other countries shares a common interest in stable energy prices and a stable supply noting Indias role as a stabilising factor in global energy marketsMisri emphasised that India does not depend on a single source for its crude oil imports and instead sources energy from dozens of countries He also noted that the mix of import sources naturally varies with market conditionsThe key drivers of our energy policy are adequate availability fair pricing and reliability of supply If you look at the data we import crude from dozens of countries We do not depend on a single source nor do we intend to It is natural for the mix of sources to vary over time depending on market conditions Our objective is to maintain multiple sources and diversify them to ensure stability The more diversified we are in this area the more secure we are the Foreign Secretary statedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever