India's Energy Needs Discussed Amidst Russo-Ukrainian War Tensions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev on Thursday. They discussed a wide range of issues, including ending the Russo-Ukrainian War. Jaishankar also acknowledged Ukraine's concerns about India buying oil from Russia. He stressed that India also has energy needs. Jaishankar said in a joint statement after talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha, "I understand the reason for the question, but I think it is very important to understand what the challenges are in providing energy for 1.4 billion people, especially at a time when the energy situation in the world is very difficult." Jaishankar said India respects Ukraine's position and hopes that its own views will also be respected. On the Russo-Ukrainian War, he said, "I just want to say that you know that this conflict which is today in its fifth year is not going to be resolved, that no oil or fertilizer has reached Ukraine despite its five-year peace efforts."