Bangkok

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who is in Thailand to attend the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting defended India's crude oil imports from Russia by terming it the "best deal" for the country.

During his assessment of global oil prices, Jaishankar said that oil and gas prices are unreasonably high throughout the world.

Addressing the Indian community in Bangkok, he discussed the surge in energy prices across the world due to the Russia-Ukraine war and said, "We have been very open and honest about our interest. I have a country with a per capita income of USD 2000, these are not people who can afford higher energy prices. It's my moral duty to ensure the best deal."

According to him, Europe was buying more oil from the Middle East countries which were Asia's traditional suppliers, however, now it was diverted to Europe.

He also said that the US knows India's position on Russian oil import and has "moved on", adding that in such circumstances "India is open about its interests, wants the best deal."

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While defending India's oil imports from Russia, Jaishankar stressed that it is important to understand how the Ukraine conflict is impacting the developing countries. He also questioned why only India was being questioned while Europe continues to import gas from Russia amid the Ukraine war.