New Delhi: Asserting that India is strongly against the Russia-Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said if New Delhi has chosen a side, it is the side of peace and for an immediate end to violence.
“We’re, first & foremost, strongly against the conflict. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood & at the cost of innocent lives. In this day & age, dialogue & diplomacy are the right answers to any disputes”, EAM said.
“This should bear in mind that contemporary global order has been built on UN Charter, on respect for international law, and for the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all States. If India has chosen a side, it is a side of peace & it is for an immediate end to violence”, EAM added.
Elaborating the Ukraine situation, Jaishankar said, “many MPs brought up the incident in Bucha & I want to say that we’re deeply disturbed by the reports. We strongly condemn the killings which have taken place there. It’s an extremely serious matter & we support the call for an independent investigation”.
“The conflict in Ukraine has had significant consequences for the global economy and for our national economy. Like all countries, we too are assessing the implications and deciding what is best for our national interest”, Jaishankar said.
“In terms of diplomacy, India continues to press forcefully for an immediate cessation of hostilities & an end to violence. We encourage talks between Ukraine & Russia, including at the level of their Presidents. PM has spoken to them both in this regard”, Jaishankar said.