New Delhi: Strongly condemning the civilian killings in Ukraine’s Bucha, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said New Delhi supports the call for an independent investigation.
“Many MPs brought up the incident in Bucha and I want to say that we are deeply disturbed by the reports. We strongly condemn the killings which have taken place there,” said Dr Jaishankar in the Lok Sabha on the Ukraine situation, ANI reported.
“It's an extremely serious matter and we support the call for an independent investigation,” he added.
The Ukrainian authorities had earlier accused the Russian forces of committing war crimes and informed that almost 300 people have been buried in a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Ukraine's capital Kyiv.
Asserting attributing political colour to India’s actions vis-a-vis the situation in Ukraine is "unfortunate", the External Affairs Minister categorically stated New Delhi has chosen a side of peace and is for an immediate end to violence.
“What is India advocating in Ukraine? We are, first & foremost, strongly against the conflict. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives,” he added.
The External Affairs Minister said “dialogue and diplomacy” are the right answers to any disputes in this day and age.
“This should bear in mind that contemporary global order has been built on UN Charter, on respect for international law, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” said Dr Jaishankar.
“If India has chosen a side, it is a side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence,” he added.
The External Affairs Minister further said the conflict in Ukraine has had significant consequences for the Indian economy as well as the global economy.
“Like all countries, we too are assessing the implications and deciding what is best for our national interest,” he added.
Stating every nation takes into account the reality of interdependence in a complex and globalised world, Dr Jaishankar said: “Therefore, even as they express their position in words and deeds, they also adopt policies that safeguard the well being of their population.”