Finland Backs India’s Russian Oil Imports, Says Purchases Were Made Within Western Price Cap Rules

Finland Defends India’s Russian Oil Purchases Amid Growing Global Energy Debate

June 2026: Finland has publicly defended India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, stating that New Delhi’s imports have been carried out within the limits of the price cap mechanism introduced by Western nations after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The remarks came from Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen during the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, where she appeared alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh.

Her comments provide significant diplomatic support to India at a time when several Western leaders and policymakers have questioned New Delhi’s energy relationship with Moscow.

“India Bought Oil Under the Price Cap,” Says Finland

Speaking at the international forum, Valtonen clarified that the purpose of the Western oil price cap was never to completely stop countries from purchasing Russian oil.

According to her, the mechanism was designed to maintain stability in global energy markets while reducing Russia’s ability to earn excessive profits from crude exports.

“In India’s defence, it has bought oil under the price cap. That was the intention,” Valtonen stated.

She explained that when Western countries introduced the price cap policy, the objective was to ensure that the world’s oil supply remained stable and avoid a major disruption in energy markets.

S. Jaishankar Defends India’s Energy Policy

Responding to criticism over India’s purchase of Russian crude, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India’s energy decisions are based on practical economic considerations, particularly the availability and affordability of oil.