India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia, says resolution does not address concerns of Global South

Staying consistent with its “well thought out national position”, India on Wednesday abstained from a vote at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly which adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four regions of Ukraine.

With 143 votes in favour, 5 against (Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria) and 35 abstentions, the resolution titled ‘Territorial integrity of Ukraine: defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations’ demanded immediate reversal of Russia’s decision to annexe the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions and withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine territory.

Explaining its decision to abstain from voting, India said that there are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution.

“It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York.

“We must therefore not initiate measures that further complicate a struggling global economy,” she added.

India reiterated that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of civilians.

It also reminded the member countries that New Delhi has consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and escalation of hostilities and violence 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. The global order that we all subscribe 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,” said Kamboj.

The Indian Ambassador stated that dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment as the path to peace requires all diplomacy channels to remain open.

“We, therefore, sincerely hope 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,” Kamboj mentioned.

The seasoned diplomat also quoted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s address in New York last month where he had said that India is not only on the side of peace – and will remain firmly there – but is also supporting those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and fertilizers.

“My Prime Minister has said unequivocally that this cannot be an era of war. With this firm resolve to strive for a peaceful solution through dialogue and diplomacy, India has decided to abstain,” Kamboj concluded.

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