New Delhi: India’s position on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been steadfast and consistent, President Ram Nath Kovind said.
Interacting with young students at Institute of International Relations in Turkmenistan on Saturday, Kovind stressed that the international order is anchored on UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity of states.
Other than criticising Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, India has been batting for resolution of the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, he said.
“We are deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation. We have called for immediate cessation of violence and hostilities and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We have also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine,” news agency PTI quoted Kovind as saying.
Notably, the president’s statement comes in the wake of a rising disappointment in the West over India not criticising Russia for its Ukraine invasion and abstaining from the votes at the UN Security Council.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed to visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that India is ready to contribute to the peace efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict and called for early cessation of violence.
Last month, too, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said in Parliament that India's position on the conflict has been "steadfast and consistent" and that it is seeking immediate cessation of violence.
It is to be noted that Russia has been India's major supplier of military hardware and in the light of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, New Delhi has been worried about possible delays in the supply of some key platforms and equipment.
India has also decided to purchase discounted crude oil from Russia, triggering concern among a number of Western powers.
The White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that India taking the Russian offer of discounted crude oil is not a violation of US sanctions on Moscow. However, he underlined that the countries should also think about "where you want to stand" on the Russian action.
Notably, over 2.5 million people are estimated to have fled the trouble-torn country to escape Russian attacks, in what has been termed as the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II by the United Nations.