Jaishankar told reporters at the NDTV World Summit that the United States was protecting its citizens and its interests by securing a bulk diesel supply from Russia.
Trump’s announcement on Oct. 9 pledged to deliver over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and a million tons thereafter—amounting to more than 2.25 million barrels.
Jaishankar warned that sanctions are a short‑lived tactic and that many European and Western countries are already buying Russian oil, citing the U.S. move as a reminder that protectionism is no longer viable.
He added that the world’s energy landscape is changing, with uncertainty in supply and finance forcing nations to diversify and avoid dependence on a single source.
India will not be swayed by the U.S. arrangement, Jaishankar said, and is already negotiating new diesel contracts to guarantee supply for its domestic market and to cushion against price shocks.
A Delhi trucking firm that has struggled to secure fuel last year says the deal could ease shortages, but worries that price volatility could hit its bottom‑line.