Jaishankar on Russia ties: Firmly wedded to strategic autonomy
Times of India
by TNN & AgenciesFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy during his address at the Munich Security Conference. Responding to questions about whether a recent trade agreement with the US would impact India's energy ties with Russia, Jaishankar emphasized that India's decisions are driven by national interests and market dynamics rather than external pressures. He stressed that India's energy policy is shaped by commercial considerations such as pricing, reliability, and global oil market conditions.
Jaishankar highlighted that strategic autonomy is deeply ingrained in India's history and identity, cutting across political divides. He underscored the complexity of the global oil market, noting that Indian and international oil companies make procurement decisions based on availability, costs, risks, and economic interests. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, countries like India continuously reassess their partnerships and calculations to align with changing circumstances.
While acknowledging potential disagreements with partners, Jaishankar reiterated the importance of dialogue and finding common ground. He assured that India would remain independent-minded in its decision-making, even if it means diverging from others' perspectives. This stance reflects India's long-standing foreign policy principle of maintaining a balanced approach to international relations.
Jaishankar also emphasized India's role as a global security partner, particularly in safeguarding sea lines of communication and acting as a first responder in regional crises. He highlighted New Delhi's contributions to strengthening port security and resilient submarine cable infrastructure, underscoring its growing influence in global security frameworks.
This matters because strategic autonomy is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, enabling it to navigate complex geopolitical shifts without being fully aligned with any single power. Jaishankar's remarks at the Munich Security Conference demonstrate India's commitment to maintaining its independence while engaging constructively with global partners. This approach not only serves India's national interests but also contributes to stability and cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026