New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday condemned the Bucha killings in Ukraine and supported the call for an independent investigation.

Replying to India's stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Lok Sabha, he said, "Many MPs brought up the incident of killings in Bucha and I want to say that we are deeply disturbed by the reports. We strongly condemn the killings which have taken place there. It's an extremely serious matter and we support the call for an independent investigation.”

Reports have said that more than 300 people have been killed and the total number of casualties was likely to increase as the whole city is being checked. Hundreds of civilian residents were found dead on the streets, their homes, and in mass graves. Ukraine accused Russia of the Bucha massacre. However, Russia has denied the allegations and said that it was Ukrainian propaganda.

The Bucha killings have drawn criticism of Russia and pledges of further sanctions against Moscow from the West.

Jaishankar reiterated that India is strongly against the Russia-Ukraine war and suggested in the Lok Sabha that the issue can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

"What is India advocating in Ukraine? We are, first and foremost, strongly against conflict. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. In this day and age, dialogue and diplomacy are the right answers to any disputes," said Jaishankar.

He urged countries to respect the international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all States.

"This should bear in mind that contemporary global order has been built on UN Charter, on respect for international law, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States. If India has chosen a side, it is a side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence," said the EAM.