S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, emphasized on Monday that India is concerned about the “knock-on consequences” of the conflict in Russia and Ukraine on the Global South in terms of the availability and cost of food, fuel, and fertilizers.
Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pressuring the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to return to dialogue and diplomacy as a protracted conflict will not serve the interests of any party in a joint statement following his talks with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna.
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“We firmly think that a time of conflict has passed. Conflicts must be resolved through negotiation. A return to communication and diplomacy is essential. No party’s interests will be served by a protracted dispute. My Prime Minister has spoken with the leaders of both countries, urging them to understand our perspective “said Jaishankar.
“We are growing more concerned about how the violence may affect the availability and cost of fuel, food, and fertilizer. The Global South is increasingly concerned about this,” he added.
India, which maintains that the situation should be resolved through discussion, has repeatedly requested a cease of hostilities from various venues but has not yet condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Jaishankar completed the second phase of his two-nation tour by arriving in Vienna from Cyprus. At a time when India is looking to improve its relationship with the EU, he claimed Austria is an important partner for India.
“We value its steadfast backing of the current FTA, investment, and geographic indicators agreements under discussion. Obviously, their outcome will be favorable for our bilateral economic relationship as well” Jaishankar added.
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He further said, “Let me emphasize that when it comes to bilateral cooperation, we see Austria as a serious and important partner. You possess knowledge and skills necessary for India’s modernization and advancement.”
