India called for deescalating the tensions around Ukraine through a diplomatic solution that addresses “legitimate security interests of all” as the United States and Russia clashed in the Security Council on Monday.

“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,” India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said.

“It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue,” he said, adding, “Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour.”

The US and Britain, in particular, have warned of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security,” Tirumurti said.

Earlier, India abstained on a procedural vote on the Council meeting discussing the threats to peace arising from the situation around Ukraine.

Moscow opposed the proposal made by the US to take up the “international threats to peace” due to what it said was the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's border.

China joined Russia in voting against the agenda item.

Monday was seen as the last day to have a discussion of the Ukraine issue before Russia takes over the presidency of the Council on Tuesday under the system of monthly rotation of leadership.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that he does not expect Russia to invade Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelentsky last week has said that he did not expect an imminent invasion from Russia and criticised talk of the threat.

“We have also been in touch with all concerned parties,” Tirumurti told the Council.

He said, “More than twenty thousand Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us.”

(SAM)