India's position consistent: Foreign Secretary on Ukraine crisis

Indias position on the crisis in Ukraine has been consistent and it has every reason to believe that it should be in touch with all parties concerned Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on SundayReferring to Indias stand on the UN Security Council resolution on Friday Shringla said it has definitely pointed out that loss of human lives is not acceptableIndia abstained from voting on the resolution that condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine but at the same time New Delhi called for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and sought immediate cessation of violence and hostilitiesIn the UN Security Council we have conveyed deep regret at the evolving situation We have also definitely pointed out that loss of human lives is not acceptable Shringla said at a media briefingBut at the same time we have said that diplomacy and dialogue are the only option Clearly from that perspective I think our position has been consistent when it comes to dealing with the current situation at hand he saidThe foreign secretary was replying to a question on the issueWe have been engaged with all parties The prime minister has spoken to presidents of Russia and Ukraine The external affairs minister has been in touch with a very wide range of interlocutors who are involved in the situation Shringla saidThe foreign secretary said he separately met with the envoys of Russia and Ukraine on SundayWe are essentially a country that has not only interests in the region We have friends we have equities in the area We have every reason to believe that we should be in touch with all concerned he saidIf we can play a role if there is any way that anyone can contribute not just us but anyone can contribute to alleviating what is a difficult situation I am sure they would do what it takes he saidShringla was asked whether India was keen to play a role in defusing the crisisWhile abstaining from voting on the resolution India issued an Explanation of Vote EoV in which it called for return to the path of diplomacy and sought immediate cessation of violence and hostilitiesIndia also told the UN Security Council that it has been in touch with all parties concerned urging them to return to the negotiating tableThe contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states India said in the EoV saidAll member states need to honour these principles in finding a constructive way forward Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes however daunting that may appear at this moment it saidRussia used its veto power to block the USsponsored resolution deploring in the strongest terms Russian aggression against UkraineBesides India China and the United Arab Emirates too abstained from votingThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever