EAM Jaishankar says India 'ready to help' end Russia-Ukraine war | India News - Hindustan Times

**India Signals Willingness to Mediate in Russia‑Ukraine Conflict**

New Delhi – In a series of remarks that underscore India’s nuanced diplomatic posture, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told reporters that India is “ready to help” bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Jaishankar stressed that any lasting resolution must be achieved through “dialogue and diplomatic engagement” rather than coercive measures. He reiterated that India, as a member of the global community, remains committed to supporting “peaceful negotiations” and is prepared to offer “any assistance” that could facilitate a ceasefire and a political settlement, without taking sides in the conflict.

At the same time, New Delhi defended its continued purchase of Russian crude oil, arguing that energy security is a sovereign priority for a country that imports more than 80 % of its oil needs. Jaishankar said that buying or refusing to buy Russian oil “will not determine the course of the Ukraine war,” and that India must “take care of its energy requirements” while also adhering to international norms. He noted that India’s oil imports are fully compliant with United Nations sanctions and that the nation is transparent about its transactions, which are conducted through established market channels. The minister’s comments came as the United States and several European allies debated additional sanctions on entities that buy Russian oil, a move that could further strain global energy markets.

Analysts see Jaishankar’s statements as an attempt to balance India’s strategic partnership with Moscow against its growing ties with Washington and the European Union. While India has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia, it has joined multilateral forums such as the G20 and the BRICS grouping to advocate for a diplomatic solution. By positioning itself as a potential mediator, New Delhi hopes to enhance its global standing and showcase its capacity to contribute constructively to major geopolitical crises. The foreign minister concluded by urging all parties “to prioritize the lives of ordinary people” and to return to the negotiating table without preconditions.