Concerns Raised Over India's Foreign Policy Amid US Oil Purchase Exemption
In the wake of a US exemption allowing India to purchase Russian oil, former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid has voiced serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of India's foreign policy. He questions whether India can act independently or if it is reliant on external permissions. Khurshid criticizes the current government's lack of clarity in its diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need for transparency and results. His remarks come after a visit to the Iranian embassy to express condolences over a significant political event. This article delves into the implications of these statements and the broader context of India's international relations.
Mar 6, 2026, 20:04 IST
Former Minister Questions India's Diplomatic Strategy
In light of the escalating controversy surrounding the 30-day exemption granted by the United States for India to purchase Russian oil, former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid expressed on Friday that the foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government have yielded no tangible results. He raised concerns about whether India has the right to act in its own interest, stating that the current situation is "extremely dangerous."
Khurshid remarked to a news outlet that it is perilous for India to be in a position where it is periodically granted permission on what actions it can take. He questioned whether India's status has deteriorated to the point where it can only operate with the consent of others. This raises a critical question: does India no longer possess the right to act in its own interests? Such discussions are necessary. The senior leader sarcastically noted that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government appears to lack a clear understanding of its foreign policy, with no evident outcomes from its diplomatic efforts.
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Khurshid further stated that it is difficult to comment on the government's foreign policy when the government itself seems unaware of its own stance. He emphasized that the media often informs the public about the government's discussions, whether at Raisina or elsewhere. While it is positive that dialogues are taking place, the outcomes remain unclear. Support or opposition to foreign policy can only be justified when results are visible. However, the results of these diplomatic efforts are perplexing. The public is not adequately informed about the steps taken by the government, making it challenging to provide commentary.
While discussing the recent attack on the unarmed Iranian warship Iris Deena in the Indian Ocean, which resulted in the deaths of 87 sailors, Khurshid expressed concern over the implications of such incidents.
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Khurshid also pointed out that if the United States, which India considers a friend, conducts an attack near its borders without informing India, it raises serious questions about India's status and existence. If the U.S. has indeed informed India, it becomes an even more alarming issue. The Congress leader made these remarks following a visit by a party delegation to the Iranian embassy in New Delhi to express condolences over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a U.S.-Israel military strike on February 28.