India’s Ambassador to the United Nations condemns kill civilians in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, marking a notable change in the overt approach of Indian officials to the invasion of Ukraine by longtime partner Russia.
Dr Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called the reports of the killing “deeply disturbing” during a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
“We unequivocally condemn these murders and support the call for an investigation,” Tirumurti said, without naming Russia.
“The situation in Ukraine has not shown any significant improvement since the last time the Council discussed this issue. The situation has only worsened, as well as its humanitarian consequences,” he said.
Some context: Previous statements by the Indian government have not condemned Russia’s aggression, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead attractive to “end the violence.”
India also abstained from various UN resolutions condemning Russia, maintaining that peace talks should be held and that the two nations focus on “diplomacy and dialogue”.
Criticism from the opposition at home: Tirumurti made his statement the same day as India’s opposition Congress Party expressed concern about the nation’s stance in the war.
During parliamentary discussion on the matter, Shashi Tharoor described India’s first statement in February as “reprehensible.”
Tharoor said: “I was shocked, I will say very honestly, in our first few statements at the United Nations… it was not just abstention.
Lawmaker Manish Tewari of the British Parliamentary Party spoke about the evolving geopolitical situation, saying that “This new Iron Curtain has the potential to really divide the world,” and added that India “has a may not have the option of sitting on top of this new Iron Curtain.”
“… Russia is a trusted friend of India and a longstanding ally. Russia has supported India in perhaps our most difficult times… But Mr. Speaker, sir, friends must also be told if they are wrong, that they may need to act together. move,” said Tewari.
Discussion is expected to continue on Wednesday with India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar for a response.
