India Critiques Global Energy Disruptions at G20 Meeting

During the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on October 30, 2026, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing disruptions in global oil supplies. He highlighted that such disruptions, often caused by sanctions and strategic chokepoints, represent a deliberate tactic to manipulate energy prices, affecting nations worldwide.

Jaishankar's comments come in the context of American sanctions on Iranian oil and the recent lifting of restrictions on Russian diesel. He pointed out that the current energy crisis is not due to production shortages but rather a result of unpredictability and access challenges, leading to unaffordable costs for many countries.

In his remarks, Jaishankar stressed the importance of the G20 demonstrating leadership to maintain open and stable energy markets. He noted that the frequency and complexity of market distortions due to sanctions and chokepoints are increasing, with significant implications for low-income nations that are often overlooked in these discussions.

The Minister also criticized the selective distinctions being made between oil and gas, asserting that these arbitrary divisions only serve to exacerbate the situation. He reiterated India's need for reliable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to meet its clean cooking requirements and emphasized the interconnectedness of global markets, urging that the repercussions of these disruptions should not be underestimated.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to its National Mission on critical minerals, which encompasses everything from exploration to recycling. He proposed a G20 initiative aimed at enhancing access to finance and advancing technologies related to energy storage, small modular reactors, green hydrogen, and biofuels, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts in addressing these pressing energy issues.