India's defence minister has expressed concern about the prospect of the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, in a conversation with his Russian counterpart.

Moscow has hinted it could use the weapons to defend its territory in case of an escalation in the conflict.

Rajnath Singh held a phone call with Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday. They discussed the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.

A statement from India's defence ministry says Singh told Shoigu that no side involved in the conflict should resort to the nuclear option.

India also reiterated its position in favor of pursuing dialogue and diplomacy for an early resolution of the conflict.

New Delhi has lately come under pressure from Western countries for its close ties with the Kremlin. India has imported Russian weapons for many years.

At the UN, India has repeatedly abstained from voting on resolutions demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

Even so, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, "This is not the era of war."

Unlike Western countries, India has tried to strike a balance in its dealings with Moscow by keeping its own strategic interests in mind.