UNSC Meeting on threats to international peace and security (Ukraine)

31 January 2022; 1000 hrs

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Madam President,

We have been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine, including through ongoing high-level security talks between Russia and the United States, as well as under the Normandy format in Paris.

India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond. We have also been in touch with all concerned parties. 

It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. 

In this context, we welcome the efforts underway including under the Minsk Agreement and the Normandy format. 

Flowing from the recently concluded meeting in Paris under the Normandy format, we also welcome the unconditional observance of the July 2020 ceasefire (in Donbass) and reaffirmation of Minsk Agreements as the basis of work under the ongoing Normandy format, in particular, commitment of all sides to reduce disagreements on the way forward. We also welcome their agreement to meet in Berlin in two weeks.

We urge all parties to continue to engage through all diplomatic channels and to keep working towards the full implementation of the “Minsk Package”.

Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour. Any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security. 

More than twenty thousand Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well- being of Indian nationals is of priority to us. 

Madam President, I reiterate our call for the peaceful resolution of the situation by sincere and sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure that concerns of all sides are resolved through constructive dialogue. 

I thank you Madam President.

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