NEW YORK: India asserted that humanitarian action will be guided by principles of humanity and should not be politicised, while reiterating its previous call for an immediate end to hostilities in Ukraine at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Thursday. (local time)
TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, “Allow me to underline that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian aid, that is, humanity, neutrality, fairness and independence. The politicization of these measures should not be done.” meeting.
The UNSC session was called following requests by six countries including the UK, US, France, Albania, Ireland and Norway to discuss the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
Tirumurti further said, “We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities across Ukraine. Our Prime Minister has reiterated this on several occasions and called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized that dialogue and There is no alternative but diplomacy.”
India’s representative also expressed concern over the current humanitarian situation, including the displacement of thousands of people internally and the outflow of more than 3 million refugees to neighboring countries. He also highlighted India’s contribution in dealing with the worrying situation.
“Keeping in view the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine, India has already dispatched more than 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, as part of nine different phases of humanitarian assistance provided since March 1. These supplies include medicines and other essential relief materials. We are in the process of identifying other such requirements and sending more supplies in the coming days,” Tirumurthy said.
Talking about India’s evacuation of its citizens from conflict-torn Ukraine under Operation Ganga, Tirumurti said, “India has ensured the safe return of around 22,500 Indians from Ukraine. We also evacuated citizens of 18 other countries in that process.” We deeply appreciate the facilities provided by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighboring countries to ensure their safe return.”
“We stand ready to pursue these objectives with the Security Council as well as the parties in the coming days. We continue to underline the need to respect the United Nations Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states . .,” said Tirumurti.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed dismay at the “unfriendly actions” of Slovakian officials, who expelled three Russian diplomatic staff.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We are disappointed by the unfriendly actions of the Slovakian authorities, who under false pretenses expelled three Russian diplomatic staff. It goes without saying that the decisions taken by Slovakia remain unanswered.” Will be.”
However, the European Space Agency announced today that it has suspended the Russian-European Mars mission over the Russia-Ukraine war. “We deeply condemn the human casualties and the tragic consequences of aggression towards Ukraine. Recognizing the impact on scientific exploration of space, ESA said in a statement, in full accordance with the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states. is linked to.