India buys much less fuel from Russia than the countries of the European Union, despite the measures initiated by Brussels to abandon Russian energy resources. Indian Foreign Minister Subramaniam Jaishankar said this during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock.
“From February to November, the EU imported more fossil fuels from Russia than the next 10 countries (by volume) combined. Oil imports to the European Union are six times higher than those to India, gas imports are countless times higher, because we don’t import any. — quotes the edition of The Hindu Jaishankar, who answered a question from a German journalist on whether India would consider cutting fuel supplies to the Russian Federation as part of the start of the country’s G20 (G20) presidency .
As the Minister noted, India, like Europe, is guided by its own priorities in the field of energy policy.
“Most countries in the world, including the leaders of EU states, understand and accept New Delhi’s position. I would like the European media to understand our policy as well,” Jaishankar concluded.
Burbock’s first visit to India came against the backdrop of the European Union’s publication of a decision to introduce a cap on Russian oil prices at $60 a barrel. In addition to discussing a new award mechanism, the heads of foreign affairs agencies also agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of economics and climate protection, security policy, as well as to simplify the visa regime for highly qualified specialists.
“Germany and India will continue to expand their cooperation to accelerate the energy transition. Germany supports India as a climate and renewable energy partner. Last year we agreed on initiatives worth 1 billion euros, the launch of the first joint project is planned for 2023”, – said the head of the German Foreign Ministry.
As noted by his Indian colleague, bilateral relations between Germany and India are “comprehensive and deep”.
“But there’s still a lot to do” Jaishankar added.
At the press conference, journalists also drew attention to the fact that the intensification of German diplomatic efforts to deepen relations with New Delhi occurred against the backdrop of Berlin’s attempts to reduce dependence vis-à-vis China. “No, India is not a standby partner,” Burbock said in response to a media question. “Germany has a long partnership with India,” she concluded.
