India has stressed on the importance of the United Nations Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Assistance and reiterated its call for immediate cessation of violence and hostilities in Ukraine.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Ukraine's humanitarian situation, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, R Ravindra said: "Humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance. i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These measures should never be politicized."
"We have emphasized right from the beginning of the conflict the need to pursue the path of diplomacy and dialogue. When innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option," the country's Deputy Permanent Representative said at UNSC.
Furthermore, India supported calls urging for guarantees of safe passage to deliver essential humanitarian and medical supplies including through the establishment of permanent humanitarian corridors.
India has been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief materials.
"We are providing more medical supplies to Ukraine in the coming days ahead," Ravindra said.
India also noted the findings of Secretary-General's Antonio Guterres's Global Crisis Response Group Task Team issued last week and welcomed their recommendation for exempting purchases of food by World Food Programme (WFP) for humanitarian assistance from food export restrictions with immediate effect.
"We initiated Operation Ganga involving 90 flights. We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries in ensuring their safe return," he said.
(ANI)