India calls for direct talks to end hostilities
NEW DELHI: India on Monday called for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end hostilities, while stressing the need to respect international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, deputy permanent representative R Ravindra said India believes any lasting resolution of conflict can only be achieved through peaceful negotiations.
“We call for direct contacts and negotiations with a view to cease hostilities. We are in touch with Russian Federation and Ukraine in this regard. We continue to underline need to respect the UN Charter, international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” the ambassador said.
“India has been consistent in calling for an immediate end to all hostilities in Ukraine. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has repeatedly called for an urgent ceasefire and that there is no other path left but (that) of dialogue and diplomacy.”
Speaking about the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), India said it is playing an important role in facilitating implementation of package of measures across both sides of contact line in Ukraine.
“Recent developments in Ukraine and consequent deterioration of security situation has halted functioning of the Special Monitoring Mission.”
Further, the representative said India supports OSCE, Minsk Group’s continued efforts for peaceful resolution of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Russia’s war in Ukraine was in its third week, battering cities, killing hundreds and triggering one of the worst refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
India has so far maintained a neutral approach to the crisis, having abstained from voting for resolutions moved in the UN against Russia’s military onslaught.
We call for direct contacts and negotiations with a view to cease hostilities. We are in touch with Russian Federation and Ukraine in this regard. We continue to underline need to respect the UN Charter, international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states R RAVINDRA ,
Deputy permanent representative