Safety of 20,000 citizens in Ukraine top priority, India tells UN at key meet

India on Tuesday insisted that the safety of over 20,000 citizens – including students – in Ukraine remains top priority as fears of war grow after Russia’s big step to officially validate the two breakaway regions.

“The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of deep concern. These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region,” India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations TS Tirumurti said at the UN Security Council Meeting on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported.

“More than 20,000 Indian student and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indians is of priority to us,” he added.

The remarks come amid worldwide condemnation over Kremlin’s latest move that is being viewed as a precursor in the midst of invasion fears.

“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,” TS Tirumurti told the United Nations Security Council.