India Criticizes Selective Targeting Over Russian Oil Purchases During Poland Meeting
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.
Opening remarks during meeting with DPM & FM @sikorskiradek of Poland.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 19, 2026
🇮🇳 🇵🇱 https://t.co/XVG4WhmFxY
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.