At the UN, India says Russia and Ukraine should return to the path of diplomacy

United Nations:

India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged Ukraine and Russia to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said.

Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine: Protection of civilians and the situation of children, Ms Kamboj said: “India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence. India has called on both sides to back to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue, and also expressed support for all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.”

“We believe that no solution can come at the cost of innocent lives. Our Prime Minister has spoken to the presidents of Ukraine and Russia on several occasions and reiterated India’s position. India stands ready to support all such de-escalation efforts .” she added.

Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, Ms. Kamboj said that India continues to be concerned about the situation in the country. She further stated that the conflict has resulted in the loss of life and countless misery for the people, especially for women, children and the elderly, with millions left homeless and forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in recent weeks are very worrying.

Recalling India’s efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and other low-income countries affected by the war between Moscow and Kyiv, Ms Kamboj said: “We are providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and economic support to some of our neighbors in the South under economic distress.”

“To help low-income countries fight price hikes and food shortages, India has exported more than 1.8 million tons of wheat to countries in need, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen,” she added.

She also said that the impact of the conflict in Ukraine is not limited to Europe alone. The conflict is heightening concerns about food, fertilizer and fuel security, especially in developing countries. It is imperative that we all understand the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility in these critical issues for the South. Open markets should not become an argument for perpetuating inequality and promoting discrimination.

Children make up one third of humanity – the most important third, as they are the future of the world. Children are also the most vulnerable to suffering, especially in situations of armed conflict, and therefore need extra protection and care. The conflict in Ukraine is undoubtedly having serious consequences for the 7.5 million children across Ukraine, Ms Kamboj said.

While protecting the rights of the child, including their access to education, is the primary responsibility of the national government, the international community has a duty to do its utmost to provide assistance to children affected by conflict. India has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and appreciates the continued efforts, including UNICEF, to alleviate the suffering of the children. We also support UNICEF’s efforts to scale up its activities,” said the India’s envoy to the UN.

During her speech, Ms. Kamboj recalled the situation of foreign students in Ukraine and said, “India has facilitated the safe return of 22,500 Indian nationals, most of them students, who studied at different universities in Ukraine. We are exploring options to mitigate the impact on our students’ education. We appreciate the relaxations made by the Ukrainian government for this academic year regarding medical students.”

It is pertinent to note that India had launched ‘Operation Ganga’ to retrieve Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Ms Kamboj hoped that the international community will continue to respond positively to the call for humanitarian aid.

India has so far sent 12 batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. At the request of the Ukrainian government, India has also provided financial support for the reconstruction of an educational institution, Ms Kamboj said at the UN Security Council meeting.

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