New Delhi: At the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Ukraine convened on Monday, India said that it was deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, and reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities.


"India is deeply concerned that the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities,” T S Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said at the rare emergency special session of the UNGA on Ukraine.


He said that India reiterates its firm conviction that all differences can only be bridged through honest, sincere and sustained dialogue.


“We reiterate our firm conviction that all differences can only be bridged through honest, sincere and sustained dialogue,” India’s Ambassador to the UN said.


Tirumurti said that peaceful settlement of disputes has been India’s consistent position. He noted that the Indian government firmly believes that there is no other choice but to return to the path of diplomacy.


“My government firmly believes that there's no other choice but to return to the path of diplomacy,” the Indian Ambassador said.






Tirumurti further said that New Delhi is doing whatever it can to undertake immediate and urgent evacuation efforts of Indian nationals still stranded in Ukraine, according to reports. The Indian Ambassador noted that the complex and uncertain situation at the border crossings is adversely impacting the uninterrupted and predictable movement of people.


“India is doing whatever it can to undertake immediate & urgent evacuation efforts of Indian nationals who are still stranded in Ukraine,” Tirumurti said. 






India’s Ambassador to the UN further said that this important humanitarian necessity must immediately be addressed.


“The safety and security of Indian nationals, including a large number of students, remains our top priority,” he said.


At the emergency session, Tirumurti said there is an urgent and pressing humanitarian situation developing in Ukraine.


India thanked all the neighbouring countries of Ukraine who have opened their borders for Indian citizens and given all facilities to Indian missions and their personnel to evacuate Indian nationals to their homeland.


“I would like to thank all neighbouring countries of Ukraine who have opened their borders for our citizens and given all facilities to our missions and their personnel. We stand ready to help those from our neighbours & developing countries who may seek assistance,” Tirumurti said.