India’s permanent representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj expressed India’s deep concern about the conflict in Ukraine and urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy at United Nations General Assembly Annual Debate on Ukraine. She also emphasized that this is not an era of war.
Mentioning the loss of lives and the misery for the people the conflict has resulted in, particularly for the women, children and elderly, India’s permanent representative to the UN said, “India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. With millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighbouring countries, reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are indeed deeply worrying.”
“We are concerned about recent developments in the region which have not helped in securing the larger cause of peace and stability,” she added.
“We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The global order that we all subscribe to is based on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States. These principles must be upheld without exception,” she said while addressing the UNGA annual debate on Ukraine.
Speaking on India’s attempts to maintain peace in the region, Kamboj said, “In light of my Prime Minister’s repeated engagements with both, it is essential to emphasize that we firmly believe that this is not an era of war. It is with this understanding and spirit that India actively participates in this debate.”
The permanent representative further added, “We have consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives. Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest.”
Kamboj emphasised again that “however daunting that may appear” dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes. The path to peace requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open.
She also mentioned how the war has affected the entire global south region.
“It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. It is thus critical that the voice of the global south be heard and that their legitimate concerns be duly addressed,” she said.