FM Spox: Concerned At Escalation In Ukraine, Urges Return To Diplomacy

The Indian Foreign Ministry has said that Delhi is "deeply concerned at escalation of conflict in Ukraine, including targeting of infrastructure and deaths of civilians."

• MFA Spox: "India urges immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent return to path of diplomacy and dialogue [...] India ready to support all efforts aimed at de-escalation."
• India appears increasingly close to expressing outright condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a summit in Uzbekistan, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin that, "now is not the time for war," seen as a signal that India may be prepared to apply more pressure on Russia.
• A meeting between Indian FM Jaishankar and US counterpart Antony Blinken last week was more cordial in tone than previous meetings, with Blinken pledging to improve visa processing for Indian citizens, a sign of concession US may be willing to make to entice India to support a price cap on Russian oil.
• Earlier today Jaishankar said in a presser with Australian FM Penny Wong that he will not disclose how India plans to vote on a UN resolution to condemn Russia this week. Jaishankar: "As a matter of prudence and policy, we don't predict our votes in advance."