Delhi has maintained a diplomatic balance on the Ukraine conflict. But the Bucha killings have led to shrinking of India’s diplomatic space created with much effort. This has prompted Delhi to condemn the incident, indirectly targeting Moscow.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar condemned the Bucha massacre in Ukraine on Wednesday and backed the request for an independent investigation. In response to a question in the lower house of Parliament about India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, he stated, “Many MPs raised the issue of killings in Bucha, and I want to state that we are profoundly upset by the reports.”
We vehemently condemn the atrocities committed there. This is a grave situation, and we strongly endorse the call for an impartial investigation.” According to reports, around 300 people have been murdered, and the final number of casualties is expected to rise once the entire city is inspected.
Hundreds of civilians were discovered dead on the streets, in front of their homes, and in mass graves. Ukraine accused Russia of being responsible for the Bucha massacre. Russia, on the other hand, has refuted the charges, claiming that they were the result of Ukrainian propaganda.
India’s Tough stand towards Bucha Killings
India’s denunciation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations is the strongest declaration it has made since Russia invaded Ukraine. Delhi has already abstained from voting in UN resolutions denouncing Russia’s actions.
India’s permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, stated during Tuesday’s UN Security Council meeting that the country “remains gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation and reiterates its request for an immediate cease of violence and suspension of hostilities.”
“Since the Council last considered Ukraine, the situation in Ukraine has not improved significantly. The security situation, as well as its humanitarian ramifications, have only deteriorated,” Mr Tirumurti stated.
In light of Ukraine’s “dire humanitarian situation,” Tirumurti stated that India has been delivering humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours, including medications and other life-saving goods. “In the following days, we are prepared to supply further medical supplies to Ukraine,” he stated.
He reaffirmed India’s appeal for a stop to violence and emphasised the importance of diplomacy – messages Delhi has expressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
“India remains very worried about the deteriorating situation and reiterates its urge for an immediate halt to violence and hostility. We have emphasised the importance of diplomacy and dialogue since the conflict’s inception. When the lives of innocent people are at danger, diplomacy is the only feasible alternative. We take notice of ongoing efforts in this regard, including recent talks between the parties,” he stated.
India has a long history of pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy but is facing pressure from Western countries regarding its diplomatic balancing act. Delhi and Moscow also have a long history of cooperation, and Russia is India’s largest defence supplier.
India also recently signed contracts for roughly six million barrels of Russian crude following a price collapse caused by Western sanctions against Russia. However, the Indian government asserts that this is “simply a drop in a larger bucket” of the country’s worldwide oil imports.
Published by: Shivani Bhalke
Edited by: Subbuthai Padma
