'We can't afford to have military escalation': India calls for restraint at UNSC meet on Ukraine-Russia crisis
India Today
The United Nations Security Council called an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Speaking at the meet, India's Permanent Representative TS Tirumurti called for restraint on all sides.
Early on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of two separatist regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Lugansk. Amid heightened Ukraine-Russia tensions, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
Speaking at the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti called for restraint from all sides and stated that the issue could only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. He said the escalation of tension along the Ukraine-Russia border was a matter of 'deep concern'.
"These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region. We cannot afford to have military escalation. The immediate priority is de-escalation. We call for restraint on all sides. We're convinced that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. We need to give space to recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek to defuse tensions," TS Tirumurti said.
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He added, "We strongly emphasise the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually amicable solution is arrived at the earliest."
In his statement at the UNSC meet, TS Tirumurti said that more than 20,000 Indians live and study in different parts of Ukraine. He stated that the well-being of these Indian nationals is the Indian government's priority.
"Safety and security of civilians is essential. More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including its border areas. The well-being of Indians is of priority to us," he said.
