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S. Jaishankar said in Kiev that stopping the purchase of Russian oil will not end the war. He offered mediation, calling diplomacy, negotiation and compromise the solution.

Kyiv: India’s Foreign Minister S. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar has clearly said that this conflict will not end if any country stops the purchase of Russian oil, minerals or other goods. He said that a permanent solution to the war is possible only through diplomacy, negotiation and compromise. During his visit to Kiev, Jaishankar also offered India’s help in peace efforts and mediation if needed.

Ban on oil purchase will not end the war: Jaishankar

Jaishankar spoke to journalists along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha in Kiev on Thursday. During this, he reiterated India’s stand on the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said the conflict is now in its fifth year and cannot be ended through purchase or embargo of commodities like oil, aluminium, minerals, metals or fertilisers. According to him, the solution to war lies only in a settlement reached through negotiation and diplomacy.

Jaishankar’s statement has come at a time when there is international discussion and pressure on many countries including India regarding the purchase of oil from Russia. India has consistently maintained that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military action.

India ready to help peace efforts

The Foreign Minister said that India is ready to help end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. India is also ready to play the role of mediation if needed.

Jaishankar also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev. Along with relations between the two countries, issues to war and regional situations were also discussed.

India’s stance has been that the dispute between Russia and Ukraine should be resolved through direct negotiations between the two parties. New Delhi has on several occasions appealed to all parties to adopt the diplomatic path and move towards peace.

Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv important amid Russian attacks: Sibiha

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiha described Jaishankar’s visit to Kiev as important. He said that the Indian Foreign Minister’s visit to Ukraine has special significance amid Russia’s continuous attacks.

According to Sibiha, Russia is continuously targeting Ukrainian cities, ports and civilian ships. In such an environment, the arrival of the Indian Foreign Minister to Ukraine is important for the dialogue between the two countries.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed normalization of maritime traffic in the Black Sea and global food security. Sibiha welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance in which India has consistently been advocating ending the war through dialogue and diplomacy.

It has also been agreed to hold the next Inter-Governmental Commission meeting between India and Ukraine.

Discussion on cooperation in infrastructure and technology

The conversation between Jaishankar and Sibiha was not limited to war only. The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic and technological cooperation between India and Ukraine.

In the talks, emphasis was laid on strengthening cooperation in areas like infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology and digital sector. These areas are being considered important for furthering bilateral relations between the two countries.

Relations between India and Ukraine have faced many challenges due to the war, but both sides are exploring possibilities to further economic and technological cooperation.

Concern increased over attacks on ships in the Black Sea

The Black Sea has become an important strategic and trade area during the Russia-Ukraine war. Jaishankar stressed the need to ensure the safety of all seafarers, including Indian nationals, in the region.

According to Ukraine, more than 300 ships have been targeted by Russia and Ukraine in the last one and a half month. Apart from ships carrying grain, these also include oil tankers and other cargo vessels.

Due to continuous attacks, the maritime trade of the Black Sea is being affected. Ship owners are feeling risky in passing through this route. This is likely to increase the cost of transportation and freight.

Global food security may also be affected

A large amount of agricultural products are exported from Russia and Ukraine through the Black Sea. Both countries together contribute to about 30 percent of the world’s wheat exports.

In such a situation, there is a danger that the global food supply will be affected due to continued attacks on sea routes. There may be increased pressure especially on the prices of major agricultural commodities like wheat and maize.

Disruption in maritime trade may increase the cost of exports and affect the supply of food items to many countries. This situation can become a matter of special concern for developing and import dependent countries.

Russia-Ukraine war continues from 2022

Full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. After this, Russia occupied many areas of Ukraine and the conflict between the two countries continued.

The war has resulted in massive casualties. Thousands of civilians and soldiers have been reported killed, while millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. By June 2023, about 8 million people had left Ukraine and gone to other countries.

During the war, there were several rounds of negotiations and peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine, but so far no agreement has been reached that is acceptable to both sides.

Donbass becomes a major obstacle in the peace agreement

A major point of contention between Russia and Ukraine is the Donbass region. Russia wants to maintain its control over the region, while Ukraine is unwilling to give up its land.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said that for a peace agreement, Ukraine would have to give up its claims on Russian-occupied areas and accept these areas as part of Russia.

Ukraine does not accept this demand. For this reason, the issue of territorial control is one of the biggest obstacles to a possible peace agreement between the two countries.

Trump also active in efforts to end the war

US President Donald Trump has held talks with leaders of both sides to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Recently he also met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The visit was as significant as any visit by a Russian leader to Alaska in decades. However, a permanent solution to the core disputes between Russia and Ukraine has not yet been reached.

Jaishankar on tour of Ukraine and Poland till September 5

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is on an official visit to Ukraine and Poland from 3 to 5 September. After completing his Ukraine visit, he will go to Poland.

In Poland, Jaishankar will hold bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the aim of the visit is to further strengthen India’s relations with both the European countries.

During this, important issues to regional conditions, bilateral relations and common interests are expected to be discussed.