Jaishankar's straight talk in Munich, prioritises energy security over politics amid US-India deal

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly rejected claims that India’s strategic autonomy has been compromised amid reports of reduced Russian oil imports following a new trade framework with the United States. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar stressed that India remains “very much wedded to strategic autonomy.” Responding to questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on oil purchases and tariff cuts, he said India continues to make independent decisions based on national interest. The statement comes as debates intensify over India’s energy ties with Russia and evolving India-U.S. trade relations.