AKIPRESS.COM - Concerned over the escalating tension along the border of Ukraine with Russia, India on Tuesday strongly emphasized the need for all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure for a mutually amicable solution, The Print reported.

This statement was made at UNSC in the backdrop of Russia’s recognition of the independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. The United States and allies requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Russia’s recognition of territories in Ukraine as independent.

Speaking at the UNSC briefing on developments in Ukraine, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that the escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation has the potential to undermine peace and security of the region.

India called for restraint on all sides. “The immediate priority is de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond,” it said.

The Indian representative emphasized that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

“We need to give space to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek to diffuse tensions. In this context, we welcome the intense efforts underway, including through the Trilateral Contact Group and under the Normandy format. We need Parties to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests. We cannot afford to have a military escalation,” he said.

Underlining the importance of the Minsk Agreements, India said “we need greater efforts to find common ground to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Minsk Agreements, including key security and political aspects.”

“As we have time and again emphasized, constructive diplomacy is need of the hour to avoid scaling up of tensions,” it added.

Indian representative reiterated that the safety and security of civilians are essential to India. “More than twenty thousand Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us.”

He lastly asked all sides to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach for an amicable solution at the earliest.

“In conclusion, we strongly emphasize the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually amicable solution is arrived at the earliest,” he added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is convening its second emergency session today, in three days over the crisis. India called for an immediate de-escalation; situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis. If not handled carefully, it may undermine security. The security of all sides should be taken into account. The representative said that India is facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as may be required.

The second emergency session was requested by Kyiv earlier on Wednesday and backed by Western Security Council members.