iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
India expressed deep concern Monday over the situation in Ukraine and called for a cessation of all hostilities while backing efforts to “alleviate the sufferings of the people of Ukraine” especially encouraging talks between Kyiv and Moscow.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Arria-formula meeting on Ukraine, Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Pratik Mathur said India remains deeply concerned over the situation in Ukraine.
“The conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and countless miseries for its people, particularly for women, children and the elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to shelter in neighboring countries.”
Mathur said India has been consistently calling for a complete cessation of all hostilities, and has advocated the path of peace, dialog and diplomacy.
“We support all efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Ukraine especially encouraging talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” he said.
He said India believes that no solution can be arrived at the cost of innocent lives. “We continue to reiterate that the global order is anchored on international law, UN charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.”
This statement comes two days after Ukraine media reported that Kyiv has suspended its envoy to New Delhi, along with several other countries.
More than four-and-a-half months into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, civilians have suffered from explosions and missile strikes, particularly in eastern cities including Donetsk, Sloviansk, Makiivka, Oleksandrivka and Yasynuvata, and in southern oblasts of Odessa and Mykolaiv. There are 24 oblasts or administrative divisions in Ukraine.
According to the UN’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), while east Ukraine accounts for most of the active warfare, more missile attacks and casualties were reported in the last week in several other regions.
These include eastern Kharkiv and western Khmelnytski oblasts, where civilians and civilian infrastructure have been impacted heavily.
Last week, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India has taken the “right course” on the Ukraine conflict and the most urgent issue is to prevent hostilities from escalating.
At a book launch event, Jaishankar said, “The most urgent issue… is to prevent hostilities from escalating to a level where it only does harm.”
India expresses ‘deep concern’ over Ukraine situation, calls for end to hostilities
