In a recent interview, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar articulated the significant role that India’s ties with Moscow play in fostering international stability, particularly amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He contended that rather than being apprehensive about nations maintaining amicable relations with Russia, the focus should shift to utilizing diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Jaishankar defended India’s increase in oil imports from Russia, attributing this move to a necessity brought on by Western sanctions that targeted Russia’s financial and trade sectors following its invasion of Ukraine. He postulated that without India’s intervention in the energy markets, there could have been severe global repercussions, including a substantial energy crisis and heightened inflation worldwide.
Jaishankar noted that the percentage of crude oil imported from Russia has surged to nearly 40% of India’s overall oil purchases, a stark increase from less than 1% before the conflict escalated in 2022. This significant shift underscores India’s strategic pivot to secure energy supplies amidst geopolitical turbulence. The Indian foreign minister also expressed optimism about the bilateral trade targets between India and Russia, which are expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. During the discussion, Jaishankar addressed concerns raised by Sky News host Sharri Markson regarding Australia’s apprehensions over India’s close relationship with Moscow, asserting that contemporary international relations are not characterized by exclusive alliances.
Instead, he emphasized that nations today often cultivate multiple partnerships across the globe. Jaishankar pointed to the increasing interdependence of global actors by highlighting that India’s collaboration with Russia should be viewed as potentially beneficial to the broader international community. He argued that India’s actions not only mitigate a looming global energy crisis but could also play a role in facilitating peace talks and negotiations to end hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
The Indian foreign minister elaborated on India’s unique position as a country that can communicate with both Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that this allows for meaningful dialogue and exploration of common ground. He expressed optimism that under India’s guidance, these nations could pursue negotiations that might lead to a peaceful resolution. In this context, he asserted that conflicts typically do not conclude on the battlefield, but rather through diplomatic negotiations where all parties can meet as equals in a conference setting.
When questioned about the implications of growing ties between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, particularly in light of the Ukraine crisis, Jaishankar advised that such developments reinforce the necessity for the West to prioritize the conclusion of hostilities. He argued that the prolonged nature of the conflict has potential repercussions that may not align with the interests of Western nations, including Australia. The longer the fighting persists, the more unstable the international landscape could become, creating a range of unpredictable and possibly unfavorable scenarios for those estranged from Moscow.
In summary, Jaishankar’s insights reflect India’s strategic calculus regarding its relationship with Russia and the role this connection plays in global energy markets and diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. By advocating for a more nuanced understanding of international relations, he underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges, ultimately positioning India as a potential mediator in one of today’s most pressing global conflicts.