India says Ukraine conflict trajectory, outlook very concerning

FILE PHOTO: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar listens as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (not pictured) speaks during a U.S.-India higher education dialogue at the Howard University Founders Library in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 12, 2022. Stefani Reynolds/Pool via REUTERS

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict was very concerning and that the outlook was more so, as New Delhi sharpened its calls for peace.

As long-term trade and defence partners, India and Russia have sided with each other for years. India has stepped up purchases of oil and coal from Russia since the Ukraine war began in February.