Jaishankar briefs panel on Ukraine crisis; We are with you, says Oppn

New Delhi: The Opposition stands united with the government, opposition leaders said on Thursday after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the consultative committee of his ministry on Russia's attack on Ukraine and the evacuation of Indians from the war-hit nation.

During the meeting, which was attended by nine MPs from six parties, including Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi, the opposition members broadly supported the government's stand of abstaining from voting in the UNSC on a resolution deploring Russia, sources said.

"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," Jaishankar tweeted. Thanking leaders for their participation, Jaishankar said,"a national consensus on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy."

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said,"we all are united." Later tweeting about the meeting, Tharoor said, "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." According to those present in the meeting, Gandhi asked about the geopolitical impact of Russia's attack on Ukraine and if what Russia is doing in Ukraine can become a template for China in its dealings with India, to which Jaishankar responded emphatically that "India is not Ukraine".