Ukraine Crisis: At UN, India Calls For Immediate Cessation Of Violence, Expresses Concern Over Safety Of Stranded Indians

India has said that it was deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and reiterated its call for immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told a rare emergency special session of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine convened on Monday (28 February) that New Delhi is doing whatever it can to undertake immediate and urgent evacuation efforts of Indian nationals still stranded in Ukraine.

"India remains deeply concerned at the unfolding developments in Ukraine, where the situation continues to deteriorate. Our considered call for immediate cessation of violence and an end to all hostilities is an urgent imperative," Tirumurti said.

"India’s Prime Minister has advocated this strongly in his recent conversations with the leadership of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. We welcome the commencement of direct talks. We reiterate our conviction that differences can only be bridged through sustained dialogue and diplomacy," he said.

Tirumurti noted that there is an urgent and pressing humanitarian situation developing in Ukraine.

In such times of conflict, India attaches the highest priority to safety and well-being of civilians, in particular women, children and elderly. We are of the view that core principles of humanitarian assistance should be fully honoured.

He added that taking into account the humanitarian requirements in Ukraine, India has also decided to provide urgent relief supplies, including medicines.

"These are expected to be despatched tomorrow," he said.

The Indian Envoy to UN further said that India remains deeply concerned for the safety and security of thousands of Indian citizens, including students, stranded in Ukraine.

"Our evacuation efforts have been adversely impacted by the developments on ground at the border crossings," he said, adding that saferty of Indian nationals is of paramount importance to India.

He informerd that senior ministers from the Government of India are being deployed as Special Envoys to Ukraine’s neighbouring countries.

India also thanked all neighbouring countries of Ukraine who have opened their borders for Indian citizens and given all facilities to Indian missions and their personnel to evacuate Indian nationals to their homeland.

"We stand ready to help those from our neighbours and developing countries who are also stranded in Ukraine and may seek assistance. We also support all UN humanitarian efforts," he said.