United Nations/New Delhi: India told the UNSC that it has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours, comprising of medicines and essential relief material, and is in the process of sending more such supplies.
Addressing the UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine on Thursday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, TS TIrumurti also voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation and the worsening humanitarian situation in war-hit Ukraine.
While reiterating India’s call for an immediate end to hostilities and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, he also said that India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine and has assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process.
He said India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation, which has progressively deteriorated since the beginning of the hostilities. The humanitarian situation has worsened, particularly in the conflict zones.
“There is an urgent need to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. In this regard, we support the initiatives of UN, and its agencies, who have mobilized whatever is possible in the shortest possible timeframe,” he said.
He expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General’s Flash Appeal and the Regional Refugee Response Plan on Ukraine.
He expressed thanks to Ukraine and its neighbours for helping with the evacuation process of Indian nationals. Tirumurti also stressed that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. “These measures should not be politicized,” he added.
“We reiterate our call for immediate cessation of hostilities across Ukraine. Our Prime Minister has reiterated this on several occasions and called for immediate ceasefire and emphasized that there is no option but the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
India stand ready to continue to engage on these objectives in the Security Council, as well as with the Parties, in the coming days. “We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”
