India calls for immediate de-escalation of tensions over Ukraine
01 Feb 2022 10:38:11
New York, Feb 1: India has been silent on recent Ukraine tensions for a long time. In a recent UN meeting on the Ukraine crisis, India has measured its word very carefully. India is trying not to alienate either Russia or the West on this issue.
In its continued attempt to balance its close strategic ties with both the United States (US) and Russia, India has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions related to Ukraine.
India reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution of the issue for long-term peace and stability, appealed for quiet and constructive diplomacy, supported the ongoing diplomatic talks between various stakeholders (US, European countries, Ukraine and Russia) under various formats, asked all sides to avoid steps that may increase tension, called for the implementation of existing agreements, and prioritized the safety of over 20,000 Indians in Ukraine.
India’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), T S Tirumurti, articulated New Delhi’s most detailed position on the issue so far, building on a ministry of external affairs (MEA) statement on Friday, at a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York on Monday. The council witnessed a stormy confrontation between the US and Russia.
Earlier, India was among the three countries that abstained from a vote on whether the Council should take up the situation in Ukraine as a possible threat to international peace and security. But with 10 of the 15 members voting in favor of the agenda - only Russia and China opposed it - the UNSC saw a discussion on the geopolitical crisis that has created the most serious rift between the US and Russia in years.
The US had requested an open Council meeting, citing the threat posed by what it alleges is Russia’s military build-up along the Ukrainian border. India was joined in its abstention by Kenya and Gabon. Russia subsequently thanked the countries which opposed or abstained from the vote to discuss the proposal.
Tirumurti said India had been closely following evolving developments related to Ukraine, including talks between the US and Russia and under the Normandy Format in Paris (the format includes Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia). “India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions, taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
He reiterated that India believed the issues could only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. “We welcome the efforts underway, including under the Minsk Agreement and Normandy Format…we also welcome the unconditional observance of the July 2020 ceasefire…we also welcome their agreement to meet in Berlin in two weeks.”
