India has managed to convince US the significance of Russian oil

Bangkok: India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar claims that India has convinced the US about its decision to source oil from Russia. The US had registered its displeasure about buying Russian fuel. However, India decided not to be defensive about its choices. While the oil prices are soaring in the international market, India’s moral responsibility is to secure its energy interests and provide affordable fuel to its citizens.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar was present in Thailand to attend the 9th meeting of the Joint Commission between India and Thailand. While speaking to the Indian community in Thailand, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has posed a question about India’s purchase of fuel from Russia to which he once again responded and stated India’s position. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that high fuel prices are not affordable for India’s population with a per capita income of $2,000. Hence India had to decide about sourcing oil from Russia, which was not aggregable to the US. However, India is not defensive about its choices as it needs to provide affordable fuel to its countrymen.

India made it clear to the US that it was a decision for the people of the country. Sometimes clearly articulating a position in the country’s interest is generally received well at the international level rather than merely exhibiting cleverness. Jaishankar claimed that the United States has decided to accept India’s position and move forward.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated that soft power, with its ability to influence the world through the strength of a country’s culture, arts-sports and music etc. does not depend on the government. For that, the society of that country must take the initiative and get this done. Government can provide support for such initiatives.

To increase the soft power of the country, the government took the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Also, during the outbreak of Coronavirus, the government promoted Ayurveda and other traditional treatment methods of India. The minister pointed out the Global Centre of India’s traditional healing methods established in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further said that efforts are underway to solve the food crisis at the international level. India has taken up the task of suggesting alternatives to millets and other grains that could change dietary habits. This can also be part of increasing soft power.