During a debate in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on February 22, India expressed "great worry" over recent developments along Ukraine's eastern border and Russia's recognition of separatist republics in the Donbas region, but refrained from criticising Moscow's actions.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, speaking at the outset of the emergency session held immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin's proclamation on Monday night, appealed for caution and diplomatic communication.
Mr. Tirumurti reiterated New Delhi's previous position of refusing to join Western calls for action against Russia, saying, "The immediate priority is de-escalation of tensions, taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed at securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond." The United Kingdom, the United States, European countries, and Kenya, on the other hand, condemned Russia's decision an attack on Ukrainian sovereignty and threatened sanctions and other measures.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations makes a strong statement.
Separately, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a strong statement, expressing his "grave worry" at Russia's decision on the status of specific territories of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
"Within internationally recognised borders, we remain completely supportive of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," Mr. Guterres stressed.
Mr. Tirumurti reaffirmed India's position that the situation must be resolved on the basis of the unimplemented "Minsk Agreements" of 2014-2015, saying that India welcomed talks under the Trilateral Contact Group, which includes Russia, Ukraine, and OSCE members in Europe, as well as the Normandy Format of talks between Russia and Ukraine, Germany, and France, and that "constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour."
Mr. Tirumurti further stated that the government's first focus is the safety of the approximately 20,000 Indians studying and working in Ukraine. A number of travel advisories have been issued by the government, advising Indian citizens to leave Ukraine temporarily. In light of the circumstances, Indian diplomats' families have been requested to return to India, and Air India is running commercial flights to Kiev this week to aid their departure.
Mr. Tirumurti went on to say that "all sides must protect international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts," calling on "all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and intensify diplomatic efforts."
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