Kyiv, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved by decisions over whether countries buy or stop buying oil, minerals or other commodities, stressing that the way forward lies through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations.
Addressing a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, Jaishankar said India understood Ukraine’s perspective on New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian energy and expected other countries to respect India’s position as well.
Responding to a question on whether India would reduce its purchases of Russian oil if the United States approved legislation imposing sanctions on countries buying Russian crude, Jaishankar highlighted the challenge of ensuring energy security for India’s 1.4 billion people amid difficult global energy conditions.
“The Ukraine side has its perspective, which we respect, and we have ours, which I would expect others to also respect,” he said.
Jaishankar added that the conflict, now in its fifth year, would not be resolved through economic decisions on oil, alumina, minerals, metals or fertilisers.
“This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation, and that is why it is something we would encourage,” he said.
India has continued to purchase Russian oil since the outbreak of the conflict, maintaining that its energy procurement decisions are guided by the need to ensure supplies for its large population and by market considerations.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar and Sybiha held talks in Kyiv on strengthening bilateral relations across several areas, including education, health, agriculture, digital technology, innovation, diplomatic training and development cooperation.
Sybiha also briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations.
Jaishankar said the two sides also discussed the need to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping and seafarers.
“A pleasure to meet with FM Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine here in Kyiv. Thank him and his team for the hospitality extended. Was updated on the recent developments in the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
He said India and Ukraine would continue exploring ways to deepen their bilateral partnership across multiple sectors.
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