'Price of oil breaking our back': EAM Jaishankar in joint presser with US Secretary of State

India-US relations: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar in a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke about the rising crude oil prices saying that India is concerned about the price of oil which is breaking our back and is a big concern. Jaishankar said there is a very deep concern among developing countries about how their energy needs are addressed. "India, which has a USD 2,000 per capita economy, is concerned over the spike in the price of oil due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and it is "breaking our back," Jaishankar said. EAM also spoke about the import of defence equipment saying that India has a tradition of multi-sourcing and for us how to get the optimal deal from a competitive situation is really what this is all about. "Don't think we've faced any problems in terms of servicing or spare parts supply we've got in the past from Russia. Where we get our military equipment is not a new issue or changed due to geo-political changes. We exercise a choice that is in our national interest." Speaking about the Ukraine war, Jaishankar said, "We have taken the position privately, publicly, confidentially and consistently that this conflict is not in anybody's interest." The best way forward is to return to dialogue and diplomacy, he said.

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