Jaishankar Criticizes Energy Trade Constraints Amid India-US Tensions

In a pointed address at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed grave concerns over the increasingly restrictive nature of energy trade and the selective implementation of international trade norms. These comments reflect growing tensions between India and the US over New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.

The remarks come in the wake of the US imposing tariffs on Indian goods and criticizing India’s purchase of Russian oil, accusing it of enabling Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of adapting to new global realities, emphasizing that resilience and fresh understandings are key to navigating international relations.

Moreover, he voiced concerns over conflicts affecting food security and trade, leading to significant human suffering. Stressing the importance of maritime cooperation, he advocated for initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and proposed events to strengthen the East Asia Summit framework. Jaishankar concluded with a call for zero tolerance towards terrorism and urged for serious global discourse on current challenges.