India decides foreign policy in national interests; Indian MEA S. Jaishankar

New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified in the Rajya Sabha ‘Indian stand regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is firm and consistent. India hopes for peace in the region and it is only promoting that.’ At the same time, the External Affairs Minister pointed out that trade with Russia and the Ukraine war cannot be linked. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a message that India takes its decisions based only on its principles, national interests and other interests. As per the media, this message is directed towards the United States.

Moreover, India stands firm on these six principles viz. stopping violence and conflict immediately, starting a diplomatic dialogue, promotion of global systems based on the framework of the United Nations regulations, opening up avenues to reach humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected people, providing aid to the conflict-affected people and continuing with dialogue with Russia and Ukraine. India does not say that it has nothing to do with the Ukraine war. MEA S. Jaishankar also clarified that India is a promoter of peace. Therefore, India has adopted a non-aligned stand. He further pointed out that the Indian Prime Minister held talks with Russian and Ukrainian Presidents and presented this stand to them.

The US president criticised that India is hesitant to denounce the Russian attack on Ukraine. US state department consistently says that it is talking with India on this matter. Deputy Secretary for state Victoria Nuland came on an India visit to pressurise India to adopt a stand against Russia. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar once again clarified the Indian stand following the visit.

Indian foreign policy is decided in consideration of the interests of the nation. India takes decisions on the foreign fronts based on its principles and interests. Saying that trade decisions cannot be linked to the Ukraine war, the Indian MEA disposed of the dispute regarding the current Indian purchase of crude oil from Russia.