Deeply Concerned That Safe Corridor For Our Students In Sumy Didn’t Materialise: India At UNSC Meet

TS Tirumurti also said that India has always spoken in favour of ending all hostilities and that PM Narendra Modi has spoken to both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders for an immediate ceasefire. 

New Delhi: As Russia's invasion in Ukraine enetred its 13th day, India on Monday expressed its deep concern over evacuation of Indian students from Sumy saying that “a safe corridor for our students in Sumy did not materialise.”

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti said, “We've reiterated our urgent demand for safe passage for all civilians, including Indians. We're deeply concerned that despite our repeated urgings to both sides, a safe corridor for our students in Sumy didn't materialise, reported news agency ANI. 

 

He further said that India has always spoken in favour of ending all hostilities and that PM Narendra Modi has spoken to both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders for an immediate ceasefire. 

“India has been consistent in calling for an immediate end to all hostilities. Our PM once again spoke to the leadership of both sides & reiterated our call for an immediate ceasefire & the need for both parties to return to the path of dialogue,” he said. 

Tirumurti said that more than 80 evacuation flights have brought around 20,000 Indians back from Ukraine and appreciated the assistance rendered by Ukrainian authorities and its neighbouring countries. 

India's Permanent Representative to the UN stressed on the need to pay attention towards the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and said that India has already sent humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries including — medicines, tents, water storage tanks amongst other relief materials. 

“As per UN’s estimate, 1.5 million refugees have sought shelter in neighbouring countries of Ukraine over the last eleven days,” he said. 

“As per UN’s estimates, over 140 civilian lives have been lost so far, including a young Indian student. India mourns his death & we convey our deepest condolences to his family. We mourn the loss of every civilian life in the conflict,” Tirumurti said further.