Jaishankar Urges Equitable Global Order Amid US Criticism Over Russian Oil Trade

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (4 August) called for a “fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few,” amid renewed US pressure on India over its energy ties with Russia, reported Hindustan Times.

Speaking at the inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival ‘Saptasur’ in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted the global push for political and economic rebalancing, stating, “We live in complicated and uncertain times, and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order.”

His remarks followed India’s strong response to US President Donald Trump’s repeated warnings of increased tariffs on India over Russian oil and defence purchases.

The US has imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods effective August 7, while the EU has targeted the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat—partially owned by Russia’s Rosneft—with sanctions.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal slammed the US and EU for “unjustified and unreasonable” criticism, pointing out their continued trade with Moscow.

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” Jaiswal said.

He noted that India began importing Russian crude after traditional suppliers diverted shipments to Europe amid the Ukraine war. “The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability,” Jaiswal added.

Jaiswal further cited the EU’s ongoing trade in goods with Russia and American imports for its civil nuclear sector to underscore Western hypocrisy.

BIMSTEC, established in 1997, promotes regional economic and technical cooperation among South and Southeast Asian nations.

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