'Had India not been clear on Russia-Ukraine, petrol price would have gone up': Jaishankar

Defending India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, India's foreign minister defended New Delhi's foreign policy saying that had India not been clear on its views, petrol price would have gone up by Rs 20.

"Look at one example. We had this pressure on Russia and Ukraine. We were clear. Suppose we had not been clear. Suppose we had said. Sorry. Sorry. You are saying it very strongly. We will not do what we did. Your petrol price would have gone up by Rs 20 because of that.”

“We take a stand on foreign policy for average citizens,” he said during an interactive session in Odisha’s Cuttack.

Jaishankar further noted that if we had imported COVID vaccine, none of the people could have afforded it.

“So foreign policy today affects every citizen, it affects our lives,” he added.

Jaishankar stressed that it is important to see who will take India through these challenges in the country.

“We have to decide how you go through this very difficult period. And more importantly, who do you trust? Who do you want to see in charge of this country? Who do you think will take this country through this challenge?” he added.

Highlighting on becoming a permanent member of United Nations Security Council, Jaishankar expressed confidence that India will become a member.