World Desk, AnyTV, New York
Published by: Kirtivardhan Mishra
Updated Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:10 AM IST
Summary
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr on Saturday held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought India’s political support at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to stop Russia’s military offensive against his country.
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Expansion
Only 10 such sessions of the General Assembly have been called since 1950. The five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, Britain and the US – will not be able to use their veto power during the voting process to convene the session. Abdullah Shahid, president of the 76th session of the General Assembly, was to attend the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva but has canceled his visit “due to the current situation in Ukraine and developments in the Security Council”. He also met Ambassador Sergei Kislitsia, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations on Saturday.
Dilemma again for India
It is worth noting that at the UNSC, a censure motion was brought by Western countries against Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. This proposal was supported by 11 countries, while three countries including India were absent from voting on this proposal. But in the midst of war deaths, India for the first time issued an explanation for its decision not to vote and expressed regret. India had made it clear that it was deeply concerned by the devastation in Ukraine and regretted that the path of diplomacy was abandoned too early.
Issuing such a statement after not voting on behalf of India was being linked to expressing displeasure against Russia. However, in order not to annoy Russia, the US also talked about understanding India’s position. Now once again the same challenge has arisen in front of India. In the meeting to be held at the UNSC today, India will have to decide whether to take a side or not to participate in the re-voting. It is believed that India will not go against Russia while sticking to its previous stand, but there is a possibility of condemnation from its side for the war and the deaths due to it.
Ukraine’s President has sought support from Modi
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr on Saturday held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought India’s political support at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to stop Russia’s military offensive against his country. During this, India expressed its commitment to contribute in any way to the peace restoration efforts between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi expressed deep anguish over the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict there. He also urged the Ukrainian authorities to take appropriate steps for the speedy and safe evacuation of Indian nationals.
At the same time, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba said in a tweet that he urged India to try to end military action against Ukraine through its influence in relations with Russia. “As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, urged India to support today’s draft resolution to restore peace in Ukraine,” he had said.