India watching Ukraine developments

New Delhi is taking a cautious stand on the changing political developments in Ukraine after Russia decided to move in militarily, drawing resentment from the US and the West, and plunging the Central Asian country into deeper crisis.

India hopes for a peaceful resolution of the situation while keeping a close watch. “We are watching the situation and hope for a peaceful resolution”, Syed Akbardduin spokesperson in the external affairs ministry said.

The Indian watch-and-wait position comes close on the heels of the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, joining together to condemn Russia. According to them, what Russia did amounts to “clear violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine, in contravention of Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter and its 1997 basing agreement.”

Sources admit the crisis has many dimensions for geopolitics of the region. External affairs minister Salman Khurshid said, “What is happening is unfortunate and the government is yet to formulate a position on the issue.”