push for peace

External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday. Bilateral trade and defense ties are said to be on the top of the agenda. From a mere 0.2% of our total crude oil imports in 2021-22, the share of Indian purchases from Russia has increased to about 20% recently. The West is watching red, with some analysts arguing that Indian money is helping Russia finance the war against Ukraine. The criticism is hollow given the EU’s energy ties with the Ukrainian aggressor. While the West is trying to reduce its imports with a new squeeze plan scheduled for December, it is also clear that the world needs all the hydrocarbons supplied so that prices calm down and not overwhelm economies. Sanctions rarely work beyond satisfying political constituencies, and commercial relations are increasingly unlikely to achieve anything positive. Nevertheless, it is also important that New Delhi push for a ceasefire in Europe. This would clearly be in everyone’s interest. A respectful exit is what both parties need. Turkey has tried to play the role of a peacemaker. So are some other countries. This is difficult. But our diplomats must still strive to work out a lasting peace deal.