After UNSC meeting, Russia hails India's 'principled' position on Ukraine crisis

Russia on Friday hailed India's 'principled, balanced and independent' position on Ukraine. India had recently reiterated its call for constructive and quiet diplomacy and emphasised on implementation of Minsk agreements to address the impasse.

"We welcome #India's balanced, principled and independent approach," the Russian embassy in India tweeted.

Russia's reaction came after India said at the UN Security Council that only 'quiet and constructive diplomacy' can solve the crisis. There has been pressure on India from the West to back its stand on Ukraine but New Delhi has taken a balanced approach given its own strategic partnership with Russia which has stood the test of time, persons familiar with the issue told ET.


On Thursday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "India has been supportive of immediate de-escalation of tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and a resolution of the issue through sustained diplomatic dialogue. India welcomes efforts being undertaken for implementation of Minsk agreements".

The spokesperson said that developments in Ukraine are being monitored by the Indian embassy in the country. He said advisories have been issued and control rooms have been set up.

The spokesperson also said that the Indian embassy is functioning normally and is providing services to Indian nationals and no decision on evacuation has been taken. He also pointed out that India's focus remains on its citizens and students and their safety Hours after the spokesperson's comments, Indian Permanent Representative (PR) in UN welcomed efforts to implement Minsk Agreements as these provide a "basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in Eastern Ukraine" .

"We welcome 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," said India's UNPR TS Tirumurti at the "UNSC Briefing Minsk-II Agreements".