Russia welcomes India’s independent stance on Ukraine issue

United Nations: – United States had raised the Ukraine issue at the United Nations Security Council to threaten Russia. US State Secretary Antony Blinken has warned Russia of dire consequences if it invaded Ukraine. The Russian diplomat immediately gave a strong response. India appealed for immediate de-escalation of tensions over the Ukraine issue and reminded that there could not be any other way than diplomatic dialogue to resolve the issue. Russia has welcomed India’s stand.

Moreover, the US had expressed the expectation that India would be on its side if Russia attacked Ukraine. The US is trying to build pressure on India by saying that if India needs a world order based on rules, it must take its side. However, India has exhibited that it has an independent foreign policy. As a member of the UN security council, India has called for immediate action to reduce the tensions over Ukraine.

India has insisted that the only option to resolve the issue is by negotiations and diplomacy. It cited that military conflict would not solve the Ukraine issue. India emphasised that tensions must de-escalate to be in the security interests of involved countries, regions and beyond to establish long term peace. T. S. Tirumurti, India’s permanent representative to the United Nations, urged to follow the Minsk Agreement signed between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Tirumurti said that the safety of 20,000 Indians, most of whom are medical students, is the top priority. Despite the pressure from the US, India has refused to go against Russia and taken a neutral stance on the Ukraine issue. Russia has welcomed India’s position. Russian ambassador to India said that they welcome India’s balanced, independent and principled stand on the issue.