Russia-Ukraine crisis: India Calls For Immediate De-Escalation At UNSC Meeting

New Delhi: Expressing deep concern over the current scenario between Russia and Ukraine, India on Thursday called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between the two countries.

India further asked both the countries to opt for diplomatic solution to this problem to find an amicable solution.

"If not handled carefully, it may undermine security," India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

"We have been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine, including developments along the eastern border of Ukraine and the related announcement by the Russian Federation," Tirumurti added.

He further sought restrain on all sides and reiterated India's call for the immediate de-escalation of tension and added that the issue can only be solved through diplomatic dialogue.

"We need to give space to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek to diffuse tensions," he said.

Meanwhile, Tirumurti also said that over 20,000 Indian nationals, including students, are residing in various parts of Ukraine, including border areas.

"We are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," he said

Notably, in response to Russia declaring the two rebel regions of Ukraine as independent states, US President Joe Biden has imposed tough new sanctions on Moscow in the wake of what he called "the beginning of a Russian invasion" of Kiev.

Addressing reporters in the White House on Tuesday, Biden said the first tranche of sanctions to impose costs on Russia are "far beyond the steps we and our allies and partners implemented in 2014".

"And if Russia goes further with this invasion, we stand prepared to go further as - with sanction... These (sanctions) have been closely coordinated with our allies and partners, and we'll continue to escalate sanctions if Russia escalates," he added.

Also read: Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine's Ambassador to India Urges PM Modi to Contact Putin

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