UNSC meeting on Ukraine called by Russia on

“Supplies of Lethal Weapons by Western Countries to Ukraine which pose a serious threat to international peace and security”

(9 December 2022; 1500 hrs)

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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I would now like to deliver the following remarks in my national capacity. At the outset, we thank the Under Secretary General for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for her detailed briefing.

2. The trajectory of the Ukraine conflict is a matter of profound concern for the entire international community. We believe that internationally agreed principles and regimes should be respected and upheld by all countries.

3. This Council would recall that since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been consistently calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence. We have emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. The actions that exacerbate the conflict should be avoided. Rather, all efforts should be made to de-escalate and bring both sides to negotiating table. As our Prime Minister has said, today’s era is not of war.

4. In a globalized world, the impact of the conflict has not just been limited to Europe. We have all experienced its consequences in terms of surging costs and shortages of food grains, fertilizers and fuel. The global south, in particular, is feeling the pain acutely. We must therefore not initiate measures that further complicate the struggling global economy.

5. On our part, we are providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to our neighbours under economic distress. We very much hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the call for humanitarian assistance. India has dispatched twelve consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine so far and we stand ready to do more.

6. India’s approach will be to promote dialogue and diplomacy with an overarching aim to end the ongoing conflict and work with other partners to mitigate emerging economic challenges, particularly to the developing countries.

7. It is in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution to this conflict.

8. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the global order is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

I now resume my duties as the President.

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