India's Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy in Global Energy Markets

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasizes India's commitment to strategic autonomy, particularly in energy procurement, amidst claims of halting Russian oil imports. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he highlights India's independent decisions despite pressure from global powers like the USA.

India remains steadfast in its commitment to strategic autonomy, a core aspect of its historical and political ethos. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated this in response to questions about India's energy procurement policies.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar emphasized that India's decisions will be guided by cost, availability, and risk factors, not external pressure. This stance was in response to Washington's assertion that New Delhi has agreed to cease importing Russian crude oil.

The minister highlighted the need for United Nations reforms amidst recent global upheavals, while also discussing the importance of maintaining independent policy-making, a crucial element of India's strategic approach in the global arena.

(With inputs from agencies.)