External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved by countries simply stopping their purchases of Russian oil, minerals or other commodities.
He said the war can only end through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations.
Speaking in Kyiv after meeting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Jaishankar was asked whether India would cut its Russian oil purchases if the US imposes sanctions on countries that continue buying Russian oil. Jaishankar said India has to consider the challenge of ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people, especially at a time when global energy conditions remain difficult.
He said India respects Ukraine’s position on the issue but also expects other countries to understand India’s concerns. “I think it’s also important that all of you get the challenges of providing for energy for 1.4 billion people at a time when the world energy situation is very, very difficult,” Jaishankar said.
The way forward is through “dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation”, which he said India would continue to encourage, according to Jaishankar. US Presidential Counsellor Peter Navarro said President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a “very good working relationship” and would resolve issues related to tariffs and Russian oil.
