NEW DELHI, 27 February 2022, (TON): Russia said “it highly appreciated India’s ‘independent and balanced position’ on the UN Security Council resolution after it abstained from voting on the Russian attack on Ukraine.

India had abstained from voting on the US-sponsored resolution that sought to deplore in the strongest terms Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

The Russian embassy said in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership with India, Moscow is committed to maintaining close dialogue with New Delhi on the situation around Ukraine.

It tweeted "highly appreciate India's independent and balanced position at the voting in the UNSC on February 25, 2022.”

It said "in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership Russia is committed to maintain close dialogue with India on the situation around Ukraine.”

While abstaining from voting on the resolution, India issued an 'Explanation of Vote' (EoV) that called for "return to the path of diplomacy" and sought immediate cessation of "violence and hostilities".

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