During the Munich Security Conference, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar addressed concerns regarding India's import of Russian oil amidst pressures from the United States. He asserted that India is committed to making its decisions independently, emphasizing that strategic autonomy is a crucial part of India's history and political tradition. Jaishankar highlighted the complexity of the global energy market, explaining that oil companies assess availability, cost, and risks before making decisions that serve their interests.

Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to a question that implied potential changes in India's oil purchasing strategy due to external pressures. He affirmed that all nations are reevaluating their considerations in a rapidly changing world and that India would make decisions aligned with its own strategic interests, even if those choices did not align with those of other countries, including the U.S. This underscores India's intention to prioritize its own assessment over foreign expectations.

Contrarily, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed at the same conference that India has assured Washington it would curb additional Russian oil purchases. His statement arrives against the backdrop of new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, raising questions about diplomatic relations and the geopolitical landscape as India balances its energy needs with international pressures.