Even as India continues to keep a distance away from the fast-moving events in Eastern Europe, Ukraine has asked New Delhi to recognise the new government and also to spell out its stance on the movement of Russian troops into the autonomous Crimean region.
Ukraine Ambassador Oleksandr Shevchenko had met the Ministry of External Affairs’ Secretary (west) Dinkar Khullar last Friday - the same day when Kiev had accused Moscow of landing thousands of troops in Crimea, which has a substantial Russian-speaking population and location for its strategic Black Sea fleet.
An Ukrainian Embassy spokesperson told Express that the ambassador had asked for two things. “We were seeking recognition of the new government, as well as wanted to get India’s support against the Russian invasion.”
After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich had fled and taken refuge in Russia on February 22, a new transitional government was sworn in with Parliament Speaker Oleksandr Turchinov named as interim president. New poll dates were announced for May 25.
As expected, there was no statement of support, with the Ukrainian ambassador told that there would be internal consultations within the Government on formulating a stance on the issue, if required.
India has, so far, preferred to keep away from the fray. The only response has been a tweet by the MEA spokesperson in answer to an online query on Monday: “We are closely watching the fast evolving situation and hope it will be resolved peacefully”.Official sources pointed out that there is no vital interest for India to make a public statement yet.
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