Ready To Support De-Escalation Efforts: India Abstains From UNGA Vote Condemning Russia

The UN resolution condemning Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian regions was adopted with 143 nations voting in favour, with Russia, Belarus, Syria, and Nicaragua voting against it.

New Delhi: India once again abstained from voting on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution that condemned Russia's annexation of the four Ukrainian regions and urged for an immediate return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. Expressing deep concern at the escalation of the conflict, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and deaths, permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said India has consistently advocated that no solution can be reached at human cost and escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest.

“We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.

The UN resolution was adopted with 143 nations voting in favour, with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Nicaragua voting against it. There were 35 abstentions, reported news agency ANI.

The latest resolution comes after Russia vetoed a similar proposal in the Security Council that condemns Russia’s “attempted illegal annexations” of the four Ukrainian regions following “so-called referendums”.

UN Principles Must Be Upheld, Without Exception: India

Explaining India’s stance on the vote before the member states, ambassador Kamboj said the global order that India subscribes to is based on international law, the UN Charter, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. “These principles must be upheld, without exception,” she added.

Urging for a dialogue to settle differences and disputes, Kamboj said India “sincerely hopes for an early resumption of peace talks to bring about an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict.”

“India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,” she said. Kamboj stressed the substantial collateral damage that the global south has suffered due to “the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict”

“As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food, and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of the global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” the permanent representative said.