India Explains Move To Abstain From UN Vote On Ukraine Invasion

India abstained on a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution that said it “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine. New Delhi said dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes and voiced “regret” that the path of diplomacy was given up.

The resolution did not pass, since permanent member Russia used its veto. In the 15-member UN Security Council, the resolution received 11 votes in favour and three abstentions, including by India, China and the UAE.

As India tries to maintain a tough diplomatic balance on the Russia-Ukraine war, it used strong words on Russian actions but stopped short of voting against them. But New Delhi was sharp in its explanation of vote.

Before the vote, the US had dialed up pressure on India to commit to a stronger response to Russia’s Ukraine invasion.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, speaking to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on what America called Russia’s “premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine”, had stressed on the importance of a “strong collective response” to condemn the Russia invasion.

Hours later, India stayed firm on its stand at the UNSC, and in its Explanation of Vote at the UN, called for a return to the path of diplomacy.

“India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador TS Tirumurti, said, explaining India’s abstention.

The statement called for respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and immediate cessation of violence and hostilities – the words conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“All member states should honour principles of international law and UN Charter, as these provide a constructive way forward,” said India, asserting tha it had maintained its “consistent, steadfast and balanced position”.

Sources said by abstaining, India retained the option of reaching out to relevant sides in an effort to bridge the gap and find the middle ground with an aim to foster dialogue and diplomacy.

An earlier draft of the resolution had proposed moving the resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which provides the framework within which the Security Council may take enforcement action. However, this was dropped in the final version that was put to vote, said sources.