Russia-Ukraine war: Opposition supports Centre's stand of abstaining from voting in UNGA
New Delhi, March 3: Congress leaders supported the Union Government's stand of abstaining from voting in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said sources on Thursday.
This follows the meeting held by the Consultative Committee of Parliament on External Affairs at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. In the midst of the Russian offensive against Ukraine, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar briefed the committee of Parliament meeting about the evacuation process and the current situation.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was among the attendees, expressed gratitude to Jaishankar over "comprehensive briefing" and "candid responses."
Tharoor, taking to Twitter, said, "Excellent meeting of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs this morning on #Ukraine. My thanks to @DrSJaishankar & his colleagues for a comprehensive briefing & candid responses to our questions &concerns. This is the spirit in which foreign policy should be run."
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He further added that the meeting took place in a "constructive spirit."
"I have declined media requests for comments since the meeting is confidential. However, we urged MEA to issue a more detailed statement than usual. The meeting took place in a constructive spirit and all parties are united in their desire to see our nationals return safely home," he said in a series of tweets.
"Nine MPs attended from six political parties. @INCIndia MPs present were @RahulGandhi, @AnandSharmaINC & myself. Frank discussions took place in an amicable atmosphere, a reminder that when it comes to national interests we are all Indians first and foremost," the Congress leader continued.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar after the meeting said that there was a "good discussion on the strategic and humanitarian aspects of the issue".
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"Just completed a MEA consultative committee meeting on developments in Ukraine. A good discussion on the strategic and humanitarian aspects of the issue. Strong and unanimous message of support for efforts to bring back all Indians from Ukraine," the External Affairs Minister tweeted.
"A national consensus on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Thank all members for their participation," he stated.
India's government has increased its efforts to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine. Under the banner of 'Operation Ganga,' special flights have been organised.
Meanwhile, since the advisories were issued, 17,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine, and flights under 'Operation Ganga' have been increased to help evacuate any remaining students stranded in Ukraine.
Among the students who departed Ukraine were some Indians who had not previously registered with the Indian Embassy in Kyiv.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on the subject on Wednesday. Union Ministers S Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and other officials attended the meeting.
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-PTC News
