India once again abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on a resolution denouncing Russia’s “illegal so-called referenda” in Ukraine and subsequent “attempted illegal annexation”.
India said some of the pressing issues at play had not been adequately addressed in the resolution. Speaking for the global south, which is reeling under food and energy crises, India called upon the international community
to not take any step that would further hurt the global economy.
The resolution, which sought reversal of Russia’s decision to annex Ukrainian territory, was adopted with 143 votes in favour and five against in the 193-member body. The US, which lobbied hard to secure as many votes as possible in favour, said the General Assembly had delivered a resounding rebuke to Russia. China and Pakistan were among the 35 countries which abstained.
After what was the fourth such abstention in a vote targeting Russia, India emphasised that the global order, which all countries subscribed to, was based on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of “all states” and that these principles “must be upheld, without exception”. Indian ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said India’s decision to abstain was consistent with its well thought out national position.
