India's External Affair's Minister has told the UN General Assembly that when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, India is on the side of peace.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Saturday that the answer is straight and honest when asked whose side India is on.

He added that India is on the side that respects the UN Charter and calls for dialogue and diplomacy.

India has a long and strong relationship with Russia especially in the military and economic fields.

It has repeatedly abstained at the UN voting for resolutions demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

But Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that "this cannot be an era of war" when they met earlier this month.

In his UN speech, Jaishankar reasserted India's neutral stance, neither supporting nor opposing Russia.

The minister also talked of the increasing calls for Security Council reform, noting that the current architecture is "anachronistic" and "deeply unfair."

He said that his country is ready to take on greater responsibilities, indicating India's desire for a permanent member seat on the council.