"We understood India's position": Polish Deputy FM on Russian oil import
By Ayushi Agarwal, New Delhi, July 13
As India and Poland prepare to deepen strategic ties ahead of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's planned visit to India later this year, Poland's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski said the two countries have resolved their differences over India's imports of Russian oil and now better understand each other's positions.
In an interview with ANI during his visit to India, Bartoszewski said Poland had earlier expressed concerns that India's purchases of discounted Russian crude were helping finance Russia's war economy. However, he added that both countries understood each other's positions and the issue is no longer a significant point of discussion.
"I think we were critical about India buying Russian oil. We understood the economic reason for that because it was at a heavy discount, about 40 per cent less than the market price. We understood that, but it was fueling the Russian war economy. So we had a different view on that," he said.
The Polish Deputy Minister said the matter has since evolved through dialogue.
"This matter has been changed and resolved, and this is really not much of a topic of conversation now. We understood India's position. India understood our position. Yes, we happen to disagree, but we still have amicable relations. Of course, each nation has its own priorities, but certain things can be negotiated and agreed, and I think this was the case," Bartoszewski told ANI.
His remarks come in the backdrop of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's strong comments during talks with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in January, when he said India had been "selectively targeted" over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its energy ties with Moscow. Jaishankar described such criticism as "both unfair and unjustified," while reiterating that India's decisions are guided by its national interests.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Jaishankar's blunt message in January was needed. India shouldn't be lectured by nations who themselves have complex energy histories. We're a developing country with 1.4 billion people—our energy security matters. Good to see dialogue resolving this.
While I understand the need for cheap oil, isn't there a moral dimension? Russia is committing atrocities in Ukraine. But I suppose realpolitik always wins. At least India and Poland are talking maturely now. 🤷♀️
Good diplomacy all around. Poland understands we can't become pawns in someone else's game. We've always maintained strategic autonomy. Discounted oil helps our economy and keeps inflation in check. Win-win for India, and Poland gets better ties with us. Namaste to our Polish friends! 🙏
Classic Indian balancing act. Trade with everyone, commit to no one. Not a bad strategy actually. The 40% discount is huge for a price-sensitive economy. Glad Poland accepted the logic.
Respectful criticism: while our diplomats handled this well, we should be careful about indirectly supporting any war. Yes, national interest matters, but so do principles. However, given how Europe and US buy Russian gas via other routes, the hypocrisy was getting annoying. Glad this chapter is closed. 🤔
R Rahul R