India Criticises Unilateral Sanctions at BRICS Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticised unilateral sanctions imposed by countries outside the United Nations framework during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held under India’s chairmanship.

His remarks came as India awaits the decision of the United States on extending the waiver that allows India to continue importing Russian crude oil despite U.S. sanctions on Russia.

Speaking at the BRICS meeting, Jaishankar said that sanctions not approved by the United Nations are “unjustified” and negatively affect developing countries. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are better solutions than pressure and coercive measures.

The meeting was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, representing two countries heavily affected by U.S. sanctions.

According to global shipping data, India’s imports of Russian oil increased sharply in May 2026. Indian refiners are buying more Russian oil because supplies from West Asia are facing disruptions due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports suggest Russian oil imports reached around 1.96 million barrels per day in May, compared to 1.57 million barrels per day in April.

The U.S. had earlier granted temporary waivers allowing countries like India to import oil from Russia and Iran due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. However, the waiver for Iran has already ended, and the Russian oil waiver is expected to expire soon.

India has traditionally opposed unilateral sanctions that are not approved by the United Nations. At the same time, India also balances its foreign policy and energy needs carefully to protect national interests and ensure stable oil supplies for its large population.

Why is this important?

• Highlights India’s independent foreign policy

• Shows the importance of energy security for India

• Reflects global tensions affecting oil markets

• Demonstrates BRICS cooperation on international issues

Key Points

• India criticised non-UN sanctions at the BRICS meeting.

• S. Jaishankar called unilateral sanctions unjustified.

• India is waiting for the U.S. decision on the Russian oil waiver.

• Russian oil imports by India increased in May 2026.

• West Asia tensions are affecting global energy supplies.