External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of energy stability at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, warning that making energy availability uncertain in a fragile global economy benefits no one. His remarks came as US President Donald Trump intensified criticism of India for continuing to purchase oil from Russia despite American sanctions.
Energy security in focus at G20
Addressing his counterparts, Jaishankar said peace and development must go hand in hand, but restricting access to essentials such as energy only worsens global instability.
“Peace can certainly enable development, but by threatening development, we cannot facilitate peace. Making energy and other essentials more uncertain in an economically fragile situation helps no one,” he said.
He urged nations to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy over escalating tensions. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Trump’s tariffs spark strain in US–India ties
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have come under stress after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India’s exports to the US. This included an additional 25% tax aimed at discouraging India from buying Russian oil.
The US president and his aides have repeatedly accused India of funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude. At the UNGA earlier this week, Trump called India and China “primary funders” of Russia’s war.
India’s balancing act on Russia
Despite US pressure, India has maintained that its energy purchases are driven by national interest and global market stability. Jaishankar signalled New Delhi’s willingness to play a role in facilitating peace efforts.
“In any conflict situation, there will be a few who have the ability to engage both sides. Such countries can be utilised by the international community, both to achieve peace and to maintain it thereafter,” he said.
His remarks reflected India’s position of strategic autonomy, highlighting its role as a potential mediator in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Terrorism as a global disruptor
The external affairs minister also raised concerns about terrorism, describing it as a “perennial disruptor of peace.”
“It is imperative that the world display neither tolerance nor accommodation to terrorist activities. Given the extensive networking amongst terrorists, those who act against them on any front actually render a larger service to the international community as a whole,” Jaishankar noted.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s statements underline India’s stance that energy security cannot be compromised for political pressures and that dialogue, not disruption, is the path to peace. However, with Trump’s aggressive tariffs and rhetoric targeting India, bilateral relations face a fresh test even as New Delhi seeks to maintain its independent foreign policy and protect its economic interests.