India abstained from a procedural vote at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, ahead of a meeting to discuss the situation on Ukraine's border. Ten member countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Albania, Norway, Brazil, Mexico, and Ireland, voted in favor of taking up the Ukraine issue. Only two member countries, however, voted against it: Russia and China. 

To proceed with the discussion, the Security Council only needed nine votes in favor.

"We have been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine, including through ongoing high-level security talks between Russia and the United States, as well as under the Normandy format in Paris," India's representative to the UNSC said in a statement.

"India's interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions while also taking into account all countries' legitimate security interests and aiming to secure long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond. We have also communicated with all parties involved. We believe that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue "The statement continued.

Meanwhile, Russia accused the US of attempting to "create hysteria" about the situation on Ukraine's borders.

US Vice President Joe Biden responded by threatening Russia with "severe consequences" if it "walks away from diplomacy."

"If Russia is serious about addressing our security concerns through dialogue, the United States and its allies will continue to engage in good faith. If, on the other hand, Russia attacks Ukraine, it will bear responsibility and face swift and severe repercussions "US Vice President Joe Biden stated.

Russia is said to have amassed a force of 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine. While Moscow denies any intention of invading Ukraine, the mobilisation of troops along the Ukrainian border has prompted repeated warnings from Nato members.