Russia’s launch of military operation in Ukraine has put India in a diplomatic quandary even as it focuses its efforts to evacuate over 20,000 Indian nationals stranded in the beleaguered country. Responding cautiously to an early morning attack on Ukraine, India has expressed “regret” that the calls of the international community to defuse tensions were ignored and warned that the situation is “in danger of spiraling into a major crisis.” Hours after the announcement of the military operation against Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations T.S. Tirumurti told the UN Security Council. “The Security Council had met two days ago and discussed the situation. We had called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasised on sustained and focused diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation.” “However, we note with regret, that the calls of the international community to give time to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties to diffuse tensions were not heeded to. The situation is in danger of spiralling into a major crisis,” the envoy said.
In New Delhi, India’s Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Right now, the focus is on safety and security of Indians, particularly students, said sources in MEA. MEA control room is being expanded and made operational on 24×7 basis.
Given airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are being activated, said sources. The ministry also informed that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is functional and its advisories should be followed carefully.
