The Congress has expressed distress over the Ukraine conflict and urged negotiations, shedding its reluctance to criticise Russia with which its Prime Ministers had nurtured close ties.

Although the party has avoided a direct attack on Russia, it has expressed disapproval of Moscow’s tactics and the consequent destruction of property and human lives.

“The Congress party is alarmed and distressed over the escalation of military conflict in Ukraine. The loss of innocent lives, widespread destruction, mass exodus of people and the aggravated human sufferings is unacceptable,” the party said in a statement.

By describing the consequences of the Russian actions as “unacceptable”, the Congress has traversed a path that the Narendra Modi government has so far shunned resolutely.

Last week, the government had told Opposition leaders at a parliamentary committee meeting that India had high stakes in Russia and criticising Moscow’s actions might not be wise.

India has despite US pressure repeatedly abstained from voting on UN resolutions condemning the Russian actions. Prime Minister Modi hasn’t called even for a cessation of hostilities.

But the carefully worded Congress statement said: “We remain gravely concerned about the safety of thousands of Indian students and citizens trapped in war zones. The Congress party earnestly appeals for an immediate end to all hostilities and the creation of geographically defined humanitarian corridors for safe evacuation respected by both sides. Russia, Ukraine and Nato must engage in sincere negotiations for restoring peace and a lasting resolution of all issues.”

It added: “It is the duty of the Government of India to make all efforts to bring back our citizens and it is important to remember and recall that India has in the past undertaken successful large-scale operations by its air force and navy to evacuate Indians during Gulf war, Lebanon, Libya and Iraq without indulging in partisan propaganda.”

The Congress has been focused on the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine and has accused the Modi government of apathy and of turning the human crisis into a PR opportunity.

It has berated the Centre for its failure to anticipate the gravity of the situation and intervene in time to help the students. Congress leaders led by Rahul Gandhi have alleged that Modi has been so engrossed in electioneering that the rescue operations never received priority.

Senior Congress leader and former foreign minister Salman Khurshid has in an article explained India’s dilemma given its strong traditional ties with Russia.

“Even as our relations with Russia remain important there is great irony in being on the same side as China although our comfort level with the latter remains uncertain,” he wrote.

“Undoubtedly, we have a duty to prevail on both sides and persuade them to de-escalate the conflict immediately and work towards peaceful military disengagement and negotiations.”

Khurshid added: “In the last seven years, as we boasted of having taken our international friendships to an unprecedented level, did we take too much for granted? Did the visuals of partnership overlook realpolitik? Did we misread the gestures of friendship and take the surface impressions for the substance of our relationships?

“Surely, we must do what we can to bring peace immediately but once that is achieved there will be a lot to do for the world and India as well.”

He went on: “The government must exert itself with greater endeavour to have its voice heard to restore peace and, for that extensive diplomatic effort, engage all stakeholders and build enlightened public opinion.”