India's Jaishankar Says Russia-Ukraine Conflict Requires Dialogue, Not Oil Sanctions

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar speaks during joint press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved through measures targeting oil purchases, stressing that the war will ultimately have to be settled through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations. Jaishankar made the remarks in Kyiv while responding to a question on whether India would consider reducing its purchases of Russian oil if the United States approves sanctions against countries buying Russian oil.

‘Conflict will not be solved by buying or not buying oil’

“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,” Jaishankar said. “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. That is why, it is something we would encourage,” he added. His remarks came amid discussions over possible US sanctions targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil. India has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national interests and the need to ensure affordable and secure energy supplies.

India-Ukraine trade sees resilience despite war

On India-Ukraine trade relations, Jaishankar said bilateral trade spans several sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, fertilisers, machinery, chemicals and consumer goods. “Understandably, in the last four years, this trade has seen some disruption due to the war situation and logistical challenges,” he said. At the same time, Jaishankar said there had been “visible resilience” in trade ties, with some new possibilities emerging.

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“In our talks today, we will be challenged obviously by the issues of today as well as the prospects beyond, and we will be addressing them,” he said. Jaishankar also highlighted education as a longstanding area of India-Ukraine cooperation, noting that many Indian students are currently studying in Ukraine. “I take this opportunity, through you, Minister, to thank the authorities for taking care of them,” he said. Jaishankar’s remarks came during his visit to Ukraine, where discussions included bilateral ties, trade and cooperation, alongside the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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