Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on India to stop importing crude oil from Russia, asserting that such a move could significantly hinder Moscow’s capacity to sustain its war effort in Ukraine.
In a recent discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zelenskyy stressed India’s influential role on the global stage, suggesting that ceasing Russian oil imports could effectively pressure Vladimir Putin’s government. “You can stop Vladimir Putin and halt his economy, and put him really in his place,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the substantial financial flow from oil exports bolstering Russia’s war economy.
In response, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s oil trade with Russia, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global energy market stability. Jaishankar pointed out that India’s oil import decisions are based on market conditions rather than political pressures, noting the strain on global supplies due to sanctions on major oil producers.
Jaishankar further explained that as a major oil consumer, India must focus on securing reasonable and stable oil prices to support the international economy. Recent data reveals that India has become the largest purchaser of Russian oil, with imports in July reaching a record 2.07 million barrels per day, accounting for 44% of the country’s total crude oil intake.
