Government probing trade-related aspects amid Russia-Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government is examining various aspects related to payments in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia is very small.
“Due to the emerging problem in dealing with Russia, the government is examining various aspects, including the payment aspect,” Jaishankar said in a supplementary reply during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha.
He told the House that there is a group within the government made up of various ministries headed by the Finance Ministry to investigate these matters.
With regard to oil trade with Russia, he said, “We import very little (crude) oil to Russia. It is less than one percent of our imports. Many countries import 20 times as much oil from us (from Russia). Huh.”
On various developments in India’s neighborhood after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said, “There are many developments in our neighborhood and we are monitoring them very carefully”.
On India’s stand on the conflict, he said, “Our position is not this, this is not our problem. Our position is that we are for peace. When the prime minister spoke to the presidents (of Russia and Ukraine), he said Clearly the intention at that time was the evacuation of the students..but what we could do was a great conversation that ended hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. I think the sentiment today is widely shared by many countries. We have expressed this very strongly”.
He also told the House that India pays attention to all international developments, including the Russia-Ukraine (conflict), and that India monitors it in its own national perspective and fashion strategy in accordance with those developments.
On trade in the midst of Russia-Ukraine crisis, he said, “Indian foreign policy decisions are made in the Indian national interest and we are guided by our own thinking, ideas and interests. Therefore, there is no way of linking Ukraine’s position with trade issues.” There is no question.” ,
India’s position on Ukraine is based on six principles, the minister told the House.
First, India calls for an immediate end to violence and hostility. India stands for peace.
Secondly, India believes that there is no other way but to withdraw from the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Third, India recognized that the global order is based on law, the United Nations Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.
Fourth, India calls for humanitarian access in the event of conflict.
Fifth, India provides humanitarian aid. The nation has so far given 90 tonnes of humanitarian aid. India is looking at providing more, especially medicines.
Lastly, India is in touch with the leadership of both Russia and Ukraine. The Prime Minister himself has spoken to the Presidents of both the countries.
He also told the House in his written reply that “we have been able to safely bring home 22,500 Indian nationals, including 147 foreign nationals from 18 countries, from Ukraine since February 2022.”
He said that as per available records, India has exported pharmaceutical products worth USD 203.68 million to Pakistan from April 2021 to December 2021.
Certain instances of non-payment of dues by Pakistani importers to Indian exporters of pharmaceutical products have been brought to our notice. As per the available data, the total amount owed to Indian exporters is around US$ 4,30,000, he said.
The matter of dues has been taken up with the concerned authorities in Pakistan through the High Commission of India in Islamabad. He said that Pakistani officials are yet to return to the issue.