- Jaishankar: Conflict needs dialogue, not oil purchase sanctions.
- Defends India's Russian oil imports for energy security.
- Cites national interest for 1.4 billion people's needs.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sent a strong message to the United States from Ukraine over Washington's plan to put sanctions on the national buying of Russian oil, stating that the war wouldn't be solved by dialogue, not because of who is buying oil or not.
Jaishankar was addressing the media in Kyiv during his visit to the European country, when he was asked whether New Delhi will reduce the purchase of Russian oil if the sanctions are approved by the US.
"This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or alumina or minerals or metals or fertiliser. This conflict will be solved by dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. That is why it is something we would encourage," said EAM.
#WATCH | Kyiv, Ukraine: "...This conflict, which is today in its fifth year, will not be solved because somebody is buying or not buying oil or alumina or minerals or metals or fertiliser. This conflict will be solved by dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. That is why, it is… pic.twitter.com/TgEnIVJFKw
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2026
The EAM also said, "It's important that all of you understand the challenges of providing for energy for 1.4 billion people at a time when the world energy situation is very-very difficult."
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"The Ukraine side has its perspective which we respect, and we have asked which I would expect others to respect," Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar's remarks came amid the ongoing discussions in the US over possible sanctions targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.
However, New Delhi has maintained that its energy purchases are guided solely by its national interests and the need to ensure affordable and secure energy supplies for its people.
PM Tells Putin To Move To End War, Jaishankar Extends Help 'In Any Manner' To Ukraine
Jaishankar's Ukraine visit comes days after PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
During the meeting, the PM stressed the need to move from endless war to the end of war. He also said that each day of war sends humanity back.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha and assured him that India stands ready to provide any help to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has been going on since February 2022.
"If India can be of any help, in any manner, we are there," the EAM said.
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