Washington. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed concern over sanctions, blockage of supply routes and attacks on energy infrastructure to disrupt global energy supplies. At the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Atlanta on Friday, he said that the energy crisis is not only related to the lack of production, but uncertainty, supply disruptions, rising prices and challenges of access to energy are also its major reasons.
In the meeting hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar said that deliberate attacks on energy trade and infrastructure could be part of a strategy to influence prices. He appealed to G20 countries to show collective leadership to keep energy markets open and stable.
Jaishankar said the incidence of imbalances in energy markets is increasing due to sanctions, barriers and blockages on sea routes. Their effects are also becoming wider than before. He especially mentioned the challenges faced by low-income countries and said that in the case of oil and gas, different criteria are being adopted in different circumstances.
Regular supply of LPG is necessary for India
The Foreign Minister stressed the need to keep in mind the far-reaching effects of interdependence of countries in the global market. He said India needs reliable and regular supply of LPG to meet its cooking needs as a clean fuel.
Emphasis on critical minerals and new energy technologies
Jaishankar informed that India's National Critical Mineral Mission covers the entire value chain from exploration and excavation of minerals to their recycling. He also mentioned the initiative proposed by India under the G20 to promote recycling and reuse of critical minerals.
He urged the G20 to promote technologies such as energy storage, small modular nuclear plants, green hydrogen and biofuels along with increased access to financial resources.
Jaishankar met foreign ministers of many countries including Canada
Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the G20 meeting. The two leaders reviewed the progress being made in India-Canada cooperation. According to an official statement from the Government of Canada, both sides agreed to advance bilateral relations and continue working on the priorities of the shared roadmap.
Jaishankar held talks with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno on trade, critical minerals, defence, nuclear cooperation and multilateral issues. At the same time, in the meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Alvarez, there was discussion on giving new momentum to bilateral relations.
His talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira covered bilateral and global issues. Jaishankar also met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.
Lavrov met Saudi Foreign Minister
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting. The international agenda and especially issues related to regional security were discussed between the two leaders.
The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, hosted by the US, is being held in Atlanta on October 30 and 31. Issues related to energy security, global trade, sea routes and supply chains were prominently discussed in the meeting.
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