New Delhi: The Russian Ambassador to India has thanked India for its 'balanced stand'  at the United Nations General Assembly recently convened on the issue of the Ukraine-Russia war. 

The UN Security Council voted on the draft resolution presented by the US and Albania, and co-sponsored by several other nations, including Australia, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom.

India did not endorse the resolution condemning Russia’s actions. India maintained a balance between the Western bloc led by the US, and Russia, since it has strategic partners on both sides.

Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador-designate to India, said, "We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis". 

The government of India is in touch with Russia for evacuations of Indians stuck in Ukraine. 

"We are in touch with the Indian authorities for Indians stranded in Kharkiv, and other areas of eastern Ukraine. We have received India's requests for emergency evacuation of all those stuck there via Russian territory...:"

On the impact of sanctions in the defence deal with India, the ambassador said the defence agreement between the two countries will be unaffected. 

"Don't foresee any obstacles as far as S-400 supply to India is concerned; have routes to continue with this deal unobstructed. Sanctions - old or new, do not interfere in any way".