What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar took a defiant stance on Europe’s constant questioning of India buying oil from Russia while at the same time European countries consuming gas from the country.
Dr Jaishankar’s remarks came at the GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum, a global stage on foreign policy, security, European affairs and economy, in the Slovakian town of Bratislava.
During a talk, Dr Jaishankar said, “I don’t want to sound argumentative but then tell me is buying Russian gas is not funding the war? Is it only Indian money and oil coming to India which funds the war but not gas coming to Europe which funds it? Let’s be a little even handed out.”
He also berated the US and the countries in Europe for not allowing the energy supply from sanction-rigged Iran and Venezuela to stream into the main market.
“If countries in Europe and the west and the United States are so concerned, why don’t they allow Iranian oil to come into the market? Why don’t they allow Venezuelan oil to come into the market? They have squeezed every other source of oil we have. And then say, ‘okay guys you must not go into the market and get the best deal for your people.’ I don’t think that is a very fair approach,” Dr Jaishankar said.
Warned by Washington, New Delhi discontinued the import of oil from the pair of traditional suppliers, Iran and Venezuela.
Dr Jaishankar is on a visit to Slovakia and the Czech Republic to strengthen ties with the two nations. During his visit, Dr S Jaishankar held talks with Ivan Korcok, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
In a tweet, Ivan Korcokthe Slovak Foreign Minister said, “Delighted to meet w/ #India´s Minister of External Affairs
@DrSJaishankar . 1st visit to #Slovakia & important milestone in our relations. Discussed highest trade turnover, interest in political dialogue & mutual investments, cooperation of democracies in #IndoPacific region. (sic)”
