Pakistan’s Ex-PM Praises India, Says Islamabad “Wanted To Get Cheap Russian Crude Oil Just Like India”

This is not the first time that the former prime minister has highlighted India’s achievements in terms of growing its economy and purchasing Russian oil

Written by Alina Khan April 10, 2023

Imran Khan

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again lauded India’s foreign policy. He said that Islamabad “wanted to get cheap Russian crude oil just like India” but was not able to do so as his government collapsed.

Imran Khan shares a video clip

In a video message, the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) chief said, “We wanted to get cheap Russian crude oil just like India but that could not happen as unfortunately, my government fell due to a no-confidence motion.”

The ex-PM said that he was upset that his country could not purchase Russian crude oil at a discounted rate, amidst the worst economic crisis that prevailed in the country. He also met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last year in February.

He also noted through his clip, the PTI chief has mentioned his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said that it is also important to remember he was in Russia on the day of the start of the conflict last year.

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Imran hails India’s achievements

Despite the Western pressure, this is not the first time when the former prime minister has highlighted India’s achievements in terms of growing its economy and purchasing Russian oil.

While addressing a public gathering in September last year, he said, “No other leader except Nawaz in the world has properties worth billions. Tell me about one country whose Premier or leader has billion worth of properties outside the country. Even in our neighbouring country, how many properties does PM Modi has outside India?”

Also back in May 2022, he hailed PM Modi’s decision to purchase cheap oil from Russia despite pressure from the United States.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Despite being part of the Quad, India withstood US pressure and bought cheap oil from Russia to facilitate its people,” adding more, “Our government was trying to achieve this through an independent foreign policy.”

India is the world’s third-largest oil-consuming and importing nation. It imports 85 per cent of its crude oil needs. Ever since the war between Russia and Ukraine, the West and Europe imposed stringent sanctions on its energy. This resulted in Russia’s offering more discounts to its oldest ally, India.