India had to protect the interests of its people in the wake of fuel and food shortages, he said

India has taken the “right course” on the Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. Referring to Ukraine as a "complex" issue, he said “The most urgent issue…is to prevent hostilities from escalating to a level where it only does harm”.

EAM Jaishankar made the remarks while responding to a question at an event on the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams meet delivery’ in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Pointing out that historical and strategic interests were at stake, he said India had to protect the interests of its people in the wake of fuel and food shortages arising out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"We have interests at stake. We have historical interests, we have strategic interrsts, we have current interests... and we have to manage those interests," he explained.

EAM Jaishankar also referred to "larger issues" flowing out of the conflict like the shortage of fuel, fertilisers, and food. With people across the world being "deeply impacted", there was a need for the more sagacious and sober voices to speak up, EAM Jaishankar said.

"At the same time, as someone responsible for the welfare of my own people, I have to do what I have to do to ensure their best interest," EAM Jaishankar noted.

Replying to another question, he said India was paying a lot of attention to South Asia and the neighbouring countries were looking up to it to take a lead in the the region. He pointed out India was the biggest economy and polity and shared borders with many countries.