There is no question of linking Ukraine to issues of trade, the External Affairs Minister said

Indian foreign policy decisions are made in “Indian national interest”, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

The global order is anchored on international law, UN charters and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, he said while replying to a question on Ukraine in the Rajya Sabha.

“There is no question of linking the Ukraine situation to issues of trade,” he asserted.

"Where our own position on Ukraine is concerned, it is very clear, it is based on six principles: One, that we call for immediate cessation of violence and to all hostilities. We stand for peace. Two, we believe that there is no other way than a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. Three, we believe, we recognise that the global order is anchored on international law, UN charters and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. Four, we call for humanitarian access to the conflict situation. Five, we ourselves give humanitarian assistance, we have given 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance so far and we are looking at providing more, especially medicines. And six, we are in touch with the leadership of both the Russian federation and Ukraine on this matter,” Jaishankar said.

In a written reply to another question in the Rajya Sabha, EAM Jaishankar said that 22,500 Indian nationals left Ukraine since February this year. Of this, over 18,500 Indian nationals were evacuated from Ukraine as a result of India’s efforts during the conflict from 26 February -11 March, 2022.

"Around 40-50 Indian nationals are still in Ukraine, of which only a few are willing to return to India. Their return is being facilitated by the Embassy," he said in the reply.