At the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India remains committed to strategic autonomy and its energy purchase decisions will be based on availability, cost, and risks. Responding to US claims, he emphasized India's right to make independent choices. In a discussion with his German counterpart, he highlighted global changes and a multipolar world.
At the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's strategic autonomy in response to US claims that India has committed to reducing Russian oil imports. In a discussion with German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar said, "We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it’s very much a part of our history and our evolution."
On energy issues, he noted that oil companies consider availability, cost, and risks in their decisions. India has neither confirmed nor denied the Trump administration's assertions that it will end Russian oil purchases as part of a trade deal. The US has slashed tariffs on Indian exports from 50% to 18% and removed a 25% punitive levy imposed last year over Russian oil purchases.
Jaishankar stated, "If the bottomline of your question is – would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions and would I make choices which may not agree with your thinking…yes, it can happen." He pointed to changes and continuity in the US administration's position, reflecting transformations in Washington's approach.
He stressed the need to reform the United Nations following shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and China's rise impacting global systems. In a multipolar world with more decision-making centers, India must revitalize ties with Europe, Jaishankar said. Wadephul described India as a key partner for Germany, with cooperation on UN reform, trade, defense, climate resilience, and upholding democracy and rules-based order.
In a roundtable on India's foreign policy, Jaishankar highlighted the need for a nimble and dynamic approach to multipolarity, noting the India-EU FTA and India-US trade deal. During engagements with G7 foreign ministers, he reiterated support for UN Security Council reform and emphasized safeguarding sea lines of communication, port security, and resilient submarine cable infrastructure.
