New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India’s relationship with Russia has helped the world community to a large extent, and the ties played a crucial role in avoiding inflation and energy crises across the globe.
Speaking to Sky News Australia, the minister further said that in today’s era, every country has the right to improve ties with any country. “What India has done with Russia is helping the international community. If we won’t have taken the move we had, things could have been different. The energy market could have gone in different directions and would have precipitated a global energy crisis, It could have caused inflation worldwide.
India can help in reducing Russia-Ukraine tensions: Jaishankar
“It is the fact that we have a good relationship with Russia. Allows us to be in between and help us to talk to both Russia and Ukraine and try to find some inter-sections in those conversations. The world, including Australia, needs countries like India which can help both countries move to the table for talks.”
When asked about the ‘angst’ that might have caused other countries over India’s ties with Russia, he said, “I don’t think there is any such thing. In this day and age, countries don’t have exclusive relations. If I have to take that logic, so many countries have a relationship with Pakistan. Look at the angst that has caused me. “
The minister further said that the new regime in the US under Trump can also play a major role in reducing tensions between Ukraine. “I think the US is the world’s pre-eminent power in a way. It is important for countries that have access, comfort, the credibility to engage both Moscow and Kiev. If we can facilitate that, it is in everybody’s interest.,” Jaishankar observed.
‘QUAD’s agenda has expanded’
Talking about QUAD of which both India and Australia are part, the minister pointed out that the group was revived during Trump’s previous tenure as the US President, and that its level has also increased over the years. “ QUAD’s agenda expanded. Some of it happened in the midst of Covid. I have every confidence that under the Trump administration, it will progress further.”
