Jaishankar says Russian oil purchases alone cannot end Ukraine war
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has argued that reducing India’s purchases of Russian oil would not, by itself, bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Jaishankar made the comments during his visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Responding to questions about India’s continued energy imports from Russia, he said the conflict would ultimately require a diplomatic and negotiated solution.
He also pointed to India’s enormous energy requirements, stressing the challenge of ensuring supplies for a population of around 1.4 billion people at a time when global energy markets remain difficult.
According to Jaishankar, India recognises Ukraine’s position on the issue but also expects other countries to understand New Delhi’s concerns regarding energy security.
His comments came amid pressure from Western countries over India’s imports of Russian energy. The US and UK have supported the argument that restricting Russia’s energy revenues could put greater economic pressure on Moscow.
The issue has gained further significance after the US Senate passed bipartisan legislation that could allow the US president to impose tariffs of as much as 100 per cent on products from countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.