India on Thursday (local time) at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) highlighted the food and energy security challenges arising from the ongoing war in Ukraine and highlighted the “disproportionate impact of the ongoing disruptions on the Global South and the developing countries”.

Speaking at the UNSC briefing on Ukraine, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, said: “The conflict is having a destabilizing effect with wider regional and global repercussions.”

“Oil prices are skyrocketing and there is a shortage of grain and fertilizers. This is having a disproportionate impact on the Global South and developing countries,” Tirumurti said.

“We must respond to the food security challenges arising from the conflict by going beyond the constraints that currently bind us. Energy security is also a serious concern and needs to be addressed through joint efforts,” Tirumurti said.

Tirumurti reiterated India’s consistent calls for a “complete cessation of hostilities (in Ukraine) and pursuing the path of dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out.”

“However, the conflict has resulted in loss of life and untold misery for its peoples, particularly women, children and the elderly, leaving millions homeless and forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries,” he said.

“India has strongly condemned the killing of civilians in Bucha and supported calls for an independent investigation,” Tirumurti said.

The Indian envoy also welcomed the presence and remarks of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the briefing.

“We commend the efforts of the Secretary-General, particularly the achievements of the Global Crisis Response Group Task Team. We welcome their recommendation that food purchases be exempted from food export restrictions by the World Food Program (WFP) for humanitarian aid with immediate effect,” Tirumurti said.

“It is important that similar exceptions are granted to all Member States and relevant stakeholders contributing to this global humanitarian effort,” he added.

India also welcomed Guterres’ recent visits to Moscow and Kyiv and his engagement with the leadership of the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

“We agree that the immediate priority is the evacuation of innocent civilians from areas where intense fighting is taking place. We appreciate the efforts of the United Nations in evacuating civilians from Mariupol. We hope these efforts will be extended to other areas as well,” Tirumurti said.

Earlier, Guterres expressed hope that the UN’s continued coordination with the governments of Russia and Ukraine will help facilitate humanitarian assistance efforts.

“I hope continued coordination with Moscow and Kyiv will result in more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting and provide assistance to reach those in critical need,” Guterres said.

Referring to India’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, Tirumurti said, “India has sent humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbors, including medicines and other essential supplies. We are also providing more medical supplies to Ukraine.”

He added that India supports calls for safe passage guarantees to deliver essential humanitarian and medical supplies through humanitarian corridors.

“Humanitarian action must always be based on the principles of humanitarian aid, ie humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These measures must never be politicized,” Tirumurti stressed.

“In conclusion, let me reaffirm that today’s world order is built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” Tirumurti said.

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