'You're Not Supposed To Say That': Jaishankar's Quip To Finnish FM Goes Viral

Last Updated:June 13, 2026, 15:06 IST

S Jaishankar Finland visit goes viral for humorous exchanges with Elina Valtonen and Lana Nusseibeh, as Finland backs Indias Russian oil purchases under the Western price cap.

A brief and humorous exchange between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has become one of the most widely discussed moments from the Indian minister’s visit to Finland.

The interaction took place during a media briefing after bilateral talks between the two leaders. While discussing defence cooperation, Valtonen jokingly remarked that India and Finland had signed many deals. Jaishankar immediately responded with a smile, saying, “You’re not supposed to say that."

The comment caught Valtonen off guard and triggered laughter in the room. Her amused reaction quickly became the focus of attention online as clips of the exchange began circulating across social media platforms.

Social media embraces the moment

The video spread rapidly, with many users praising the rapport between the two ministers and Jaishankar’s quick sense of humour.

Valtonen’s reaction after the remark became a talking point, with several social media users describing the exchange as one of the most entertaining diplomatic moments in recent memory.

While the visit involved discussions on defence, security and international cooperation, it was this light-hearted moment that captured the imagination of many online.

Another one-liner during Finland visit

The exchange with Valtonen was not the only moment that drew attention during Jaishankar’s visit.

At another event, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh made a humorous reference to developments in West Asia. “It’s been a really quiet time in my part of the world," she remarked.

Jaishankar responded instantly: “That’s why you came here to Finland."

The comment once again drew laughter from those present and soon gained traction on social media.

Finland backs India’s Russian oil purchases

Alongside the lighter moments, the visit also featured important discussions on global issues, including energy security and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks, Valtonen offered support for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. During a panel discussion attended by Jaishankar and UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh, she said India had acted within the framework of the oil price cap introduced by Western countries after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “In India’s defence, it has bought oil under the price cap. That was the intention," Valtonen said.

She explained that the price cap mechanism was never intended to completely stop countries from buying Russian crude. “When we introduced the oil price cap, we did not prohibit the world from buying Russian oil. The entire idea was not to disrupt the oil market but to make sure oil continued to be supplied while Russia did not make massive margins from it," she said.

Valtonen’s remarks came as Jaishankar strongly defended India’s energy policy and rejected criticism of New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Although the discussions covered subjects such as energy security, international cooperation and geopolitical tensions, the visit’s lighter moments attracted the most attention online.

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