India Criticizes Selective Targeting Over Russian Oil Purchases During Poland Meeting

During a recent meeting with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the selective targeting of India regarding its Russian oil purchases amid the Ukraine war. He described the US's punitive tariffs as unfair and unjustified, echoing New Delhi's previous statements. Jaishankar also urged Poland to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The discussions highlighted differing views on military exercises and regional security, with Sikorski acknowledging India's reduced oil imports from Russia. This meeting precedes significant diplomatic visits from European leaders to India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 20, 2026, 15:29 IST

Jaishankar Addresses Concerns with Poland's Foreign Minister

On Monday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed to Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski that the 'selective targeting' of India regarding its acquisition of Russian oil amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is 'unfair and unjustified.'

This remark aligns with New Delhi's earlier response in August to the United States' announcement of punitive tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases. Reports indicated that former US President Donald Trump had urged the European Union to impose tariffs as high as 100% on both India and China to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine.

The external affairs ministry expressed regret over the US imposing additional tariffs on India for actions that many other nations are also undertaking in their national interests.

During the meeting, Jaishankar also called on Poland to adopt a stance of 'zero tolerance for terrorism' and to refrain from supporting 'terrorist infrastructure in our neighborhood.' He expressed a desire to discuss Sikorski's recent travels in the region.

This likely referred to Sikorski's visit to Pakistan in October, where he met with the country's leadership, as reported by a news outlet.

After the meeting, Sikorski described the discussions regarding the neighborhoods of India and Poland as 'frank.' He noted that while both nations share concerns about terrorism, Poland views India's involvement in the 'Zapad-2025' military exercises in Russia and Belarus as 'threatening.'

However, Sikorski previously mentioned in Jaipur that he was 'pleased' with India's reduction in oil imports from Russia.

Sikorski was in India for a three-day visit from January 17 to 19. His meeting with Jaishankar occurred just days before the anticipated visit of the president of the European Council and the head of the European Commission to India from January 25 to January 27.