Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, March 24: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government is looking into several trade-related issues, including payments, in the light of the Russia-Ukraine war, despite the fact that the crude oil imported from Russia is extremely small.
“Because of the developing challenge in dealing with Russia, the Government is evaluating several aspects, including the payment element,” Mr Jaishankar said in response to a supplementary during Rajya Sabha question hour.
He told the House that a panel within the government made up of various ministries, led by the finance ministry, is looking into these issues.
“We import very little (crude) oil for Russia. It is less than one per cent of our imports. Many countries import even 20 times more oil than we do (from Russia)”, he said as regard to oil trade with Russia.
“Our position is not that, this is not our problem. Our position is that we are for peace. When the Prime Minister spoke to Presidents (of Russia and Ukraine), the intent obviously at that time was the evacuation of students…but there was a larger conversation on what we could do which lead to the cessation of hostilities and return of dialogue and diplomacy. I think today that sentiment is widely shared by many countries. We have articulated it very strongly”, he said on India’s stand on the conflict.
He also told the House that India pays attention to all international happenings, including the Russia-Ukraine (war), and that India observes them from its own national viewpoint and formulates policies in response to them.
He spoke on trade in the context of the Russia-Ukraine issue “Foreign policy decisions in India are taken in the national interest of the country, and our ideas, views, and interests drive us. As a result, there is no way to link the situation in Ukraine to trade difficulties “..
The minister informed the House that India’s policy on Ukraine is based on six principles.
“Our own position on Ukraine concern is very clear, based on six principles – immediate cessation of violence, return to dialogue and diplomacy, global order anchored on international law, UN charter, territorial integrity, humanitarian access,” he said.
First and foremost, India demands an immediate end to violence and hostilities, he said, adding that India is committed to peace.
Second, he stated that India believes there is no other option except to return through conversation and diplomacy.
According to Mr. Jaishankar, the third premise is that India recognises that the global order is based on law, the UN Charter, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.
The fourth point is that India requests humanitarian access to a combat zone, he said.
The fifth is that India provides humanitarian aid, according to him. So far, the country has donated 90 tonnes of humanitarian aid. India is considering expanding its assistance, particularly in the area of medical.
Finally, he stated that India is in contact with the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine, and that the Prime Minister has spoken with the Presidents of both nations.
