FACT CHECK: Did EAM S. Jaishankar Say ‘Russian Oil Will Continue to Flow Into India’?

Claim:

Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar said, “Our economy will not be run from the White House… Russian oil will continue to flow to India.”

Verdict: False

What’s Being Claimed?

As the United States reportedly increases tariffs on Indian goods, a viral quote attributed to EAM S. Jaishankar is making rounds on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram posts forwards. The statement alleges that Jaishankar directly dismissed American pressure by asserting that India would continue purchasing oil from Russia, regardless of U.S. influence.

Many posts even use the quote to portray India as resisting Western control, stating:

“Our economy will not be run from the White House. Russian oil will continue to flow into India.”

The Truth

FactCheck India found no credible evidence that S. Jaishankar ever made this statement publicly or privately.

• There are no official press releases, video clips, transcripts, or media interviews from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or reputable news outlets attributing these words to him.
• A reverse image and keyword search led only to meme-style posts and unofficial social media pages.
• The claim appears to be part of an ongoing effort to amplify nationalist sentiment online using fabricated quotes.

While Jaishankar has spoken about India’s independent energy policy. Including its right to purchase oil from wherever it chooses. He has never used the alleged phrase in question, especially in the context of U.S. tariffs.

What Has Jaishankar Actually Said?

Dr. S. Jaishankar has consistently emphasized India’s right to pursue strategic autonomy in its foreign and economic policies. For example:

“India will do what is in the best interest of our energy security.”

This statement was made during earlier discussions on oil imports from Russia. However, he has always maintained diplomatic language and has never made inflammatory remarks aimed at the United States.

Why This Matters

Spreading fake or sensationalized quotes in the name of high-ranking officials can lead to misinformation, diplomatic misunderstandings, and public confusion. With global tensions already sensitive, fabricating political statements undermines responsible journalism and informed discourse.

Conclusion

The viral claim that EAM S. Jaishankar said “Russian oil will continue to flow into India” and criticized the White House is false. There is no credible source or record of such a statement being made. The quote appears to be manufactured to mislead and provoke. Always verify information before sharing it further.