Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour, India said at UNSC

New Delhi’s interest is in finding a solution to the Ukraine crisis that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries, India said on Thursday.

A solution should be aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said at the UNSC Briefing Minsk-II Agreements.

In a statement, Tirumurti said that any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security.

Tirumurti argued that quiet and constructive diplomacy was the need of the hour.

Noting that India had been in touch with all concerned parties, he said, it was India's considered view that the issue could only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

“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,” India’s envoy to UN said.

More than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas, he informed.

The well-being of Indian nationals was of priority, Tirumurti reiterated.
He said India welcomed the efforts underway for implementation of the ‘Minsk Agreements’ including through the Trilateral Contact Group and under the Normandy format.

“We believe that the ‘Minsk Agreements’, provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in Eastern Ukraine,” the Indian ambassador stated.

"Accordingly, we urge all parties to continue to engage through all possible diplomatic channels and keep working towards the full implementation of the ‘Minsk Agreements’", he added.

According to the Indian Permanent Representative to UN, India also believes that meetings under the Normandy Format will further facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the ‘Minsk Agreements’, including its key security and political aspects.

In this context, India welcomes the recent meetings of Political Advisers of Normandy Format countries in Paris and Berlin, he said.

“We also welcome the unconditional observance of the July 2020 ceasefire, the reaffirmation of ‘Minsk Agreements’ as the basis of work under the Normandy Format and the commitment of all sides to reduce disagreements on the way forward,” Tirumurti said.