The Indian embassy in Kyiv on Thursday said in its advisory for Indians living in Ukraine to stay calm and safe, wherever they are shortly, post Russia launched a military offensive against Ukraine.
“Please maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are, be it in your homes, hostels, accommodations, or in transit.”
It further stated for that all the citizens traveling to Kyiv to return to their cities temporarily. The advisory was updated for the Indian citizens living in Ukraine.
In the meantime, the governmental sources said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that it is ”closely monitoring” the situation in Ukraine. Their focus is on the safety and security of Indians, particularly students. A control room has been expanded and made operational on a 24×7 basis.
The UN Security 15-nation Council held an emergency meeting on Ukraine late Wednesday night, the second meeting this week, and the fourth since January 31 as tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine.
As the UNSC meeting was underway, during which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a direct appeal to Putin to ‘stop your troops from attacking Ukraine,’ the Russian leader announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine.
On Thursday, India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiralling into a major crisis, just as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to launch a ‘military operation’ in eastern Ukraine.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told the Council that New Delhi had only two days ago at the Council meeting on Ukraine called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasized sustained and focused diplomacy on addressing all issues concerning the situation. He said that the situation is in danger of spiralling into a major crisis.
India expressed its deep concern over the developments, which could lead to undermining the peace and security of the region if not handled carefully.
India further refrained from further action that could worsen the situation and called for an immediate de-escalation.
Tirumurti also underlined that more than 20,000 Indian nationals, including students, are located in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas.
“We are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals, including Indian students, as required,”
he said.
India called on all parties to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests, with Tirumurti underlining that the legitimate security interests of all parties should be fully taken into account.
India has consistently advocated at the United Nations the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and with agreements entered into by parties concerned.
Edited By- subbuthai padma
Published By- Satheesh Kumar
