<span style="color: #222222;">India has stressed on the importance of the United Nations Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Assistance and reiterated its call for immediate cessation of violence and hostilities in Ukraine. Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine's humanitarian situation, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, R Ravindra said that humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance that are humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.<br />'' <br />'' He said, these measures should never be politicized, adding that India continues to remain deeply concerned at the worsening situation and reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of violence and hostilities.<br />'' <br />'' Mr Ravindra said, when innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option. He said, India supported calls urging for guarantees of safe passage to deliver essential humanitarian and medical supplies including through the establishment of permanent humanitarian corridors. He said, India hopes the international community will continue to respond positively to the evolving humanitarian requirements.<br />'' <br />'' India has been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief materials. India's Deputy Permanent Representative said, New Delhi is providing more medical supplies to Ukraine in the coming days. Mr Ravindra said that the impact of the situation is being felt beyond the region with increasing food and energy costs, especially for many developing countries.<br />'' <br />'' India also noted the findings of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Global Crisis Response Group Task Team issued last week and welcomed their recommendation for exempting purchases of food by the World Food Programme for humanitarian assistance from food export restrictions with immediate effect. India also said that energy security is equally a serious concern and needs to be addressed through cooperative efforts.<br />'' <br />''<br />''Speaking about the safe return of its citizens from Ukraine, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN noted that the country India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 citizens from Ukraine involving 90 flights. He also said India also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in the evacuation process. </span>