Vishwa Thacker – Mumbai Uncensored, 6th May 2022
On February 24, 2022, Russia carried out an all-in invasion of Ukraine. The following day, when a majority of countries voted against Russia, India chose to abstain from voting. India pointed out that the option allowed the country to find a middle ground, bridge the gap and inculcate dialogue and diplomacy.
On May 6, TS Tirumurti, the Permanent Representative of India criticised Karel van Oosterom, the ambassador of the Dutch for repeatedly patronising India since it refrained from voting against Russia during the Russia-Ukraine war at the UNSC or the United Nations Security Council.
Addressing the situation, TS Tirumurti said that India does not support the vast destruction and remains deeply disturbed by the turn of events between the two countries. He added that India has always urged to call for an immediate cessation of such destruction. He remarked, “No solution can ever arrive at the cost of human lives”.
As Russia carried out its full-scale invasion, S Tirumurti spoke at UNSC on the situation. He said, “Ever since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been consistently calling for the complete cessation of hostilities and for pursuing the path of dialogue and diplomacy is the only way out.”
At the council, he even remarked on the humanitarian supplies India has been sending to Ukraine in good faith including essential items for relief and medicines. He requested the council not to politicise the deeds India has done for the good of Ukraine.
As soon as the Indian ambassador tweeted the statement of India in a transcript, Karel van Oosterom commented, shaming India for the decision of abstaining from its vote against Russia. “You should not have abstained in the GA. Respect the UN Charter”, he wrote. To this, S Tirumurti gave a befitting reply and kindly asked the Dutch ambassador not to “patronise” India, because “we know what to do”.
Meanwhile, it has been 72 days since the commencement of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
