India has once again underlined its independent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressing that the war cannot be brought to an end through pressure over trade and energy ties.
During his visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Jaishankar met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The talks centred on finding a way towards peace while also giving a fresh push to India-Ukraine relations.
India defends its energy choices
One of the key issues during Jaishankar’s visit was India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Responding to Ukraine’s concerns, the External Affairs Minister said India’s energy requirements cannot be ignored, especially when the country has to ensure supplies for 1.4 billion people.
‘The reason for the question. I get that but I think it’s very 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.
India defends its energy choices
One of the key issues during Jaishankar’s visit was India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Responding to Ukraine’s concerns, the External Affairs Minister said India’s energy requirements cannot be ignored, especially when the country has to ensure supplies for 1.4 billion people.
‘The reason for the question. I get that but I think it’s very 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.
Dialogue remains India’s message
India’s position remains centred on negotiations rather than military action. Jaishankar said the conflict will ultimately require dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to achieve a lasting solution.
‘This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation, and that is why it is something we would encourage.’
He also reiterated India’s long-standing view that the world cannot continue treating war as the answer to international disputes.
Zelenskyy thanks India
Zelenskyy welcomed India’s position and thanked New Delhi for supporting efforts towards peace. ‘We are grateful to India for its commitment to ending this unjust war – Russia’s war against Ukraine. This certainly must not be a time of war. Peace is needed. This is India’s clear position,’ he wrote on X.
Zelenskyy also claimed that Russia launched jet-powered Shahed drones during the Indian delegation’s stay in Kyiv, but said Ukrainian aircraft intercepted most of them and the delegation remained safe.
