“President Vladimir Putin thanked India for taking a “restrained and objective” stand on Russia’s muscle flexing in Ukraine.
Addressing a joint meeting of the Russian Parliament on Tuesday on the occasion of Crimea’s reunification with Russia Mr. Putin singled out China and India as the countries that showed understanding for Russia’s role in the Ukraine crisis.
“We are grateful to all those who understood our actions in Crimea,” Mr. Putin said. “We are grateful to the people of China, whose leadership sees the situation in Crimea in all its historical and political integrity. We highly appreciate India’s restraint and objectivity.”
India did not join the Western powers’ condemnation of Russia’s intervention in Crimea and kept a low profile on the issue.”
While the Western media has reported India’s position as pro-Russian, the transcripts of the Ministry of External Affairs, show a relatively even-handed approach, calling for peaceful discussion and restraint:
“India calls for sincere and sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure that issues between Ukraine and its neighbouring countries are resolved through constructive dialogue,” said the statement.”