According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, India has always maintained a “steadfast and consistent” posture on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for an immediate cease of bloodshed and resolution of the situation via discussions and diplomacy.
According to AFP, the foreign minister’s statements came two days after US President Joe Biden claimed India was an outlier among Washington’s friends because of its “shaky” attitude to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He stated that India has always maintained that the global order is based on international law, the United Nations Charter, and respect for states’ territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“India’s position on the Ukraine conflict has been steadfast and consistent. We have expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for an immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities,” Jaishankar stated this in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Since Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, the US-led coalition, which includes NATO, the European Union, and major Asian allies, has implemented unprecedented sanctions to damage Russia’s currency, international commerce, and access to high-tech goods.
Australia, Japan, and the United States have all ceased importing Russian oil, but India (the fourth Quad member) continues to do so. India has likewise abstained from voting against Russia at the UN, while constantly advocating for an end to the war and resolving concerns via diplomacy.
The foreign minister’s remarks came after Western governments voiced serious concern about India’s failure to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its abstention from votes at the UN Security Council condemning Russian aggression.
“In our conversations with global leaders at the highest levels, we have emphasized to all member states of the UN that the global order is anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states,” he said, explaining that India’s position on the scenario in Ukraine in numerous international fora and bodies reflects this reasoning.
According to Jaishankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, as well as their neighbours and other significant international leaders, since the crisis began. “He conveyed our considered view to all parties concerned that there is no other choice but the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” Jaishankar said.
Modi, in particular, talked with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 26 and again on March 7. Since the beginning of the battle, he has also spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin at least three times: on February 24, March 2, and March 7.
Jaishankar further stated that India’s first concern is to ensure the safety of its residents in war-torn Ukraine. “Even before the hostilities began, the safety of Indian nationals in Ukraine was our top priority. Accordingly, the evacuation of Indian nationals was undertaken on a mission mode,” He went on to say that since February, India had evacuated 22,500 persons from Ukraine, including 147 foreign nationals from 18 other nations.
