Slamming Turkey, India has spotlighted that the "threats of launching military operations by external actors" in the territory of Syria have further worsened the situation.
As reported by IndiaNarrative.com on Friday, several countries, including Russia, are also alarmed with reports of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announcing the launch of a new military operation in northern Syria.
At a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on Syria on Friday, India stressed that it has been consistent in highlighting how "acts of external players" have also contributed to the inability to tackle terrorism in Syria.
"The external support to the armed groups in Syria complicated the situation and resulted in the growth of terrorism. Violence has been along sectarian lines, and terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, continue to entrench themselves more than ever," said Pratik Mathur, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.
New Delhi stated that increased hostilities, including airstrikes and shelling in north-west Syria, continue to affect civilians, including women and children. More than 14 million people across the country are now in need of humanitarian assistance in one form or another.
"India has always condemned all acts of violence in Syria as well as violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, irrespective of who their perpetrators are," said Mathur.
📺Watch: Mr. Pratik Mathur, Counsellor speak at the #UNSC Arria Meeting on #Syria ⤵️@MEAIndia @eoidamascus pic.twitter.com/wfbLpFjyTA
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) June 3, 2022
India also said that it firmly believes that long-term security and stability of the region can only be achieved by preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
"We call on all parties present in Syria to address these challenges. We need to strengthen the hands of the Special Envoy and support his step-by-step approach," said the Indian diplomat.
"It is also a matter for Syrians themselves to deliberate and establish accountability for crimes committed. In this regard, we take note of the recent measures by Syria including general amnesty and legislation criminalizing torture," he added.
Meanwhile, New Delhi continues to extend developmental assistance and human resource development support to Syria through grants and lines of credits for developmental projects, supply of medicine and food, artificial limb fitment camps, a Next Generation IT center and capacity building training programmes.
Also Read: Russia alarmed, US worried as Turkey announces new military operation in northern Syria
