Delhi urges Ukraine restraint

INDIA is “deeply concerned” at the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, and willing to support all attempts at de-escalation, a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry said on Monday (10).

Russia fired cruise missiles at cities across Ukraine on Monday morning, in what president Vladimir Putin said was revenge for Ukrainian attacks including on a bridge to Crimea.

“We reiterate that escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Meanwhile, foreign minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that India did not want to say in advance how it will vote at the UN General Assembly on a likely draft resolution condemning Russia’s proclaimed annexation of parts of Ukraine.

“As a matter of prudence and policy, we don’t predict our votes in advance,” Jaishankar said during a joint briefing with Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong in Canberra.

Russia had vetoed a UN Security Council resolution late last month condemning the proclaimed annexation, with China, Gabon, India and Brazil abstaining.