New York, USA (TEH) – In a recent development concerning the escalating Ukraine crisis, India has subtly reproached Russia for its abrogation of the United Nations-endorsed Black Sea Grain Agreement, which enables the transportation of essential food grains and agricultural produce. The veiled criticism was aired during the United Nations General Assembly’s routine discussion on Ukraine held on Tuesday.
Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative, expressed apprehension over the deteriorating situation in the conflict-ridden region. “We are concerned by the recent developments in the region, which have not helped in achieving the larger objective of peace and stability. Reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are extremely worrying,” Kamboj iterated, focusing on the rising tension in the area.
The situation escalated in the preceding two days when Russia orchestrated a drone and missile onslaught on the Ukrainian port of Odessa. Concurrently, a Russian strike partially demolished a bridge linking the mainland to the contested region of Crimea, severing vital communication links and sparking further outrage.
In her address, Kamboj upheld India’s support for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ initiative to reinstate the Black Sea Grain Agreement. She underscored India’s anticipation of a swift resolution to the existing deadlock, thereby maintaining New Delhi’s nuanced balance on the contentious Ukraine issue.
While Kamboj refrained from explicitly naming any country, she reinforced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s often repeated mantra: “This is not an era of war.” The statement has been widely perceived as an oblique rebuke of Russia.
“In the light of my Prime Minister’s repeated interactions with both sides, it is necessary to emphasize that we firmly believe that this is not an era of war,” Kamboj stated. Modi has previously communicated with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian leadership, echoing the sentiment of pacifism.
India voiced support for U.N.'s efforts in continuing the Black Sea Grain initiative and expressed hope for an early resolution to the present impasse, a day after Russia announced it was terminating implementation of the U.N.-brokered deal.https://t.co/xBrvLTUfYr
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Reiterating the bedrock principles of international order, Kamboj voiced another veiled critique of Moscow’s actions: “The global order to which we all subscribe is based on international law, the United Nations Charter, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. These principles must be upheld without exception.”
She subtly censured Moscow’s obstructive maneuvers that have hampered the Black Sea Grain Initiative, emphasizing that the concerns of nations in the Southern Hemisphere ought to be heard and duly addressed.
Adding to the ongoing tension, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last month the annexation of Ukraine. An alarming development has been Russia’s ally, Belarus, maintaining its strategic nuclear weapons, thereby hinting at the potential denuclearization of the battlefield.
The General Assembly President Csaba Korosi reacted to these developments, sounding a warning: “We cannot play with nuclear weapons.” Korosi stressed that nuclear rhetoric must be terminated, and that nuclear weapons cannot be perceived as a solution to any conflict.
He further drew attention to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant located in the Russian-occupied territory, noting its vulnerability to sabotage and accidents. He stated, “In the midst of this turmoil, the threat of a nuclear catastrophe looms large – Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is located in a conflict zone, which presents an imminent danger.”
As the crisis continues to unfold, the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution, underscoring the urgency for respect for international law and regional stability.
