External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has once again firmly defended India's decision to import Russian oil despite Western sanctions, saying the business between the two shouldn't bother others, according to reports.
Responding to a query while participating in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday on India's balancing act between its growing ties with the United States and continuing trade with Russia, he said it was a smart decision and should be appreciated.
“Is that a problem, why should that be a problem? If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me", he was quoted as saying.
The Indian minister also said that unidimensional relationships are unrealistic in the current interconnected world order.
His comments come against the backdrop of Western disapproval of India's continued oil trade with Russia amid the latter's special military operation in Ukraine.
Jaishankar said India's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is quite clear, as the country has been repeatedly advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and an immediate cessation of violence.