India urges utmost restraint amid escalating Ukraine-Russia tension

Concerned over the escalating tension along the border of Ukraine with Russia, India strongly emphasized the need for all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure a mutually amicable solution.

This statement was made at UNSC in the backdrop of Russia's recognition of the independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. The United States and allies requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Russia's recognition of separatist territories in Ukraine as independent. Speaking on the UNSC briefing on developments in Ukraine, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said that the escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation has the potential to undermine peace and security of the region.

Tirumurti called for restraint on all sides. "The immediate priority is 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 said.

The Indian representative emphasized that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

Tirumurti reiterated that the safety and security of civilians are essential to India. "More than twenty thousand Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us."

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Kyiv on February 22 has again advised students to temporarily leave Ukraine rather than wait for an official confirmation from universities amid the growing tensions in the region.

(ANI)