Rejecting war as an option, India has raised its voice for a peaceful resolution of the situation in and around Ukraine, saying that "quiet and constructive diplomacy" is the need of the hour.

Making a statement at Thursday's United Nations Security Council briefing on the implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti said that any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security.

"India has been in touch with all concerned parties. It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue," said the Ambassador.

"India's interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate 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," he added.

Tirumurti highlighted that more than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas and the well-being of Indian nationals is of top priority to the Indian government. 

📺Watch: Permanent Representative @AmbTSTirumurti speak at the #UNSC Meeting on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements on #Ukraine ⤵️#IndiainUNSC @MEAIndia @UNDPPA @IndianEmbassyUS @IndiainUkraine @IndEmbMoscow pic.twitter.com/soDWOn25Zh

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) February 17, 2022

The comprehensive briefings were held on the occasion of the 7th anniversary of the Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

"We welcome the efforts underway for implementation of the 'Minsk Agreements' including through the Trilateral Contact Group and under the Normandy format. We believe that the 'Minsk Agreements', provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in Eastern Ukraine," Tirumurti said in his statement.

"We also believe that meetings under the Normandy Format will further facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the 'Minsk Agreements', including its key security and political aspects. In this context, we welcome the recent meetings of Political Advisers of Normandy Format countries in Paris and Berlin," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier today that he has sent a letter to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposing to meet next week in Europe, following on their talks in recent weeks, to discuss the steps that resolve the crisis without conflict.  

"Over the past months, without provocation or justification, Russia has amassed more than 150,000 troops around Ukraine's borders, in Russia, Belarus, occupied Crimea.  Russia says it’s drawing down those forces.  We do not see that happening on the ground. Our information indicates clearly that these forces – including ground troops, aircraft, ships – are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days," Blinken said at the UN Security Council.

Russia, meanwhile, urged its "partners in Western capitals" to stop the "hysteria" about its intentions in the region.

"If we do something, we do it while having in mind our national interests and the interests of our national security. As it was announced in Moscow, after military drills Russian troops began to come back to places of their permanent location on the Russian national territory," said Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Vershinin following the UNSC briefing on Ukraine.

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