UNSC briefing on Ukraine
[Tuesday, 28 June 2022; 1500 hrs EDT/0030 hrs IST 29 June]
 
India Statement

 
Mr. President, let me begin by thanking USG Rosemary DiCarlo for briefing on the situation in Ukraine.

 
2.​India remains deeply concerned over the situation in Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in loss of lives and countless miseries for its peoples, particularly for women, children and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighboring countries.

 
3.​From the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been consistently calling for complete cessation of all hostilities and advocated the path of peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We support all efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, especially talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. India has also been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief material.

 
4.​Reports of deaths of civilians in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict are deeply disturbing and in this regards we express our grave concern. In recent years, critical civilian infrastructure in urban areas have become easy targets in situations of armed conflict. The issue of the protection of civilian objects in armed conflicts should be considered within the framework of applicable international law. Earlier, India had unequivocally condemned the killing of civilians in Bucha and supported the call for an independent investigation.

 
5.​The impact of the Ukraine conflict is not just limited to Europe. The conflict is exacerbating concerns over food, fertilizer and fuel security, particularly in the developing countries. It is necessary for all of us to adequately appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility when it comes to food grains. Open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination.

 
6.​India is committed to work constructively in mitigating the adverse impact of the conflict on food security.  We have welcomed the recommendation of the Global Crisis Response Group Task Team to exempt purchases of food by WFP for humanitarian assistance from food export restrictions.

 
7.​India has been providing financial assistance as well as supplying food grains to countries which are impacted by the Ukraine conflict. India has exported 1.8 million tons of wheat to countries in need, including to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen in the last two months. We are also helping our neighbour Sri Lanka to ensure their food security.

 
8.​We are trying to increase the production of fertilizers in India. There is also a need to focus on the availability of fertilizers and keep the supply chains of fertilizers smooth at a global scale. Similarly, efforts should be made to ensure stability in the global supply of fuel commensurate with the demand.

 
9.​We reiterate the importance of UN Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Assistance. Humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These measures should never be politicized.

 
10.​Let me conclude by reaffirming that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states.

I thank you.