India once again called for a halt to fighting in Ukraine and urged Moscow and Kyiv to resolve their hostilities through diplomatic dialogue and not violence.
India’s Permanent Deputy Representative to the United Nations R Ravindra said Delhi has been and will remain in touch with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard.
“We call for direct contact and dialogue to stop the hostilities. India is and will continue to be in touch with both the Russian Federation and Ukraine in this regard,” R Ravindra said during a meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday.
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The Indian envoy expressed concern at the serious loss to human lives on both sides due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as well as to a serious humanitarian crisis.
“India has been calling for an immediate end to all hostilities in Ukraine. Our PM has called for an immediate ceasefire and there is no other way left except through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
Ravindra said that India has taken intensive and immediate steps to evacuate its citizens from conflict zones in Ukraine.
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“Till now, around 22,500 Indians have returned home safely. We are grateful to all our colleagues for their support in our evacuation efforts,” he said.
India underscores the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, emphasized Ravindra while addressing the UN Security Council.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was in “close contact” with India and several other countries on “mediation efforts” to end the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with Russian action would have unprecedented consequences.
As Russia’s war on Ukraine entered its 19th day on Monday, peace talks between the two sides raised hopes that the conflict would be resolved in the coming days.
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