EAM S Jaishankar Says Russian Oil Won’t End Ukraine Conflict

Jaishankar Defends India’s Energy Choice

Answering the media question with respect to Ukraine's unease over the buying of Russian oil from India, Jaishankar said India has to take care of the needs of its 1.4 billion people and it is something countries can surely understand. He added, irrespective of the situation if India buys or not buys the energy from the Russian federation, the problem will remain where it is right now. He also said that the conflict has already been between the two nations for 5 years.

“You know, the reason for your question, I get that, but 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. So, I would say, this is something where clearly the Ukraine side has its perspective, which we respect, and we have ours, which I would expect others to also respect,” Jaishankar said.

“This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or minerals or metals or fertiliser. This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation. And that is why it is something we would encourage,” he added.

US Threatens Tariffs On Russian Oil Buyers

The remarks came at a time when there were discussions around possible US sanctions on countries which will continue buying Russian oil. India has previously cited that its energy purchase has to be made looking at India's interest which has to ensure cheap energy for its people securely.

The US senate passed a bipartisan bill last month to grant powers to the president to impose up to 100 percent tariffs to goods from countries which continue to buy Russian oil and gas including both India and China. It also mentioned that buying this oil from the Russian federation directly supports the Russian economy and finances Russia's operations in Ukraine.

Zelensky Thanks India For Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cited his meeting with S Jaishankar and thanked India for standing up to end this "unjust war". India and Ukraine have been in touch regularly irrespective of New Delhi being perceived as being pro-Russia.

“Held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. We discussed important issues. We are grateful to India for its desire to end this unjust war—the war of Russia against Ukraine. This time must certainly not be a time of war. Peace is needed. This is India's clear position,” Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X.