“India moves gradually”: ex-Polish ambassador on New Delhi’s step back from Russian oil
global.espreso.tv
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:56:00 +0200

This was stated by former Polish Ambassador to India Tomasz Łukaszuk on the Slawa TV program Ukrainian Focus, broadcast on Espreso TV."We have to remember that while we in Europe tend to think in linear terms, in India the approach is different. They consider not only the short-term perspective but also take the long view," Łukaszuk said. "And believe me, the pressure from the Americans on India to stop buying oil from Russia is very real."According to the diplomat, India is gradually reducing its purchases of oil and gas from Russia."We must remember that this process also takes place within the context of domestic policy, because in India, unlike in many other countries, foreign policy is closely tied to domestic concerns," Łukaszuk noted. "India has one of the highest proportions of people living in poverty, so issues related to household needs — ensuring access to gas, gasoline, and other essentials — are crucial. All of this is subsidized by the state."The former ambassador emphasized that Prime Minister Modi is facing a very difficult election."He cannot make simple or straightforward decisions, nor can he take a purely linear approach," Łukaszuk explained. "For example, it’s not as simple as not meeting with one side or another, or choosing not to meet in a certain place — say, with the American president. The situation looks completely different. India understands very well that, in keeping with the long-standing tradition of its foreign policy, it must maintain a balance among all the major global players. And here I’m talking not only about the United States, but also about China and, unfortunately, Russia," the diplomat concluded.
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