On Thursday, India joined 32 countries in abstaining from the UN General Assembly (UNGA) vote on the Ukraine Emergency Special Session Resolution, which calls for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
India’s Justification
While justifying the abstention, India’s UN envoy Ruchira Kamboj said that the resolution’s aims are “understandable” and reassured India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy. Nevertheless, she said the resolution had “inherent limitations” in securing peace in Ukraine.
In this regard, Kamboj said it was “pertinent” to question whether the international community is “anywhere near a possible solution acceptable to both sides.” She added that it is questionable whether a “credible and meaningful solution” can be secured if either party is excluded from the discussions.
Excerpts from PR @ruchirakamboj’s explanation of vote at the #UNGA Emergency Special Session on #Ukraine today. pic.twitter.com/tUptpHj09j
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) February 24, 2023
Kamboj further questioned the efficacy of the UN Security Council (UNSC), saying that the international community must assess whether the “1945-world construct” has been “rendered ineffective” in light of the contemporary challenges.
Nevertheless, she reiterated India’s support for lasting peace in Ukraine, condemning the loss of lives and displacement of civilians. Kamboj added that New Delhi will support a “people-centric” approach to the Ukraine conflict and continue to provide humanitarian and economic aid to Kyiv and countries impacted by the food, fuel, and fertiliser shortages in the Global South.
India has abstained from several votes in the UNGA, UNSC, and Human Rights Council since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Countries, including the US and Ukraine, have urged India to “do the right thing” and support resolutions against Russia.
UNGA Resolution
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that demands #Russia leave #Ukraine.
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) February 23, 2023
In favour: 141
Against: 7
Abstentions: 32 pic.twitter.com/WnEoRp94kx
On the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UNGA resolution secured the support of 141 members, with 32 countries, including China, Iran, and South Africa, abstaining from the vote. While seven others — Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, and Syria — voted against the document.
Apart from calling for an expeditious solution to the Ukraine war, the non-binding resolution demanded that members and international organisations enhance their support for diplomatic efforts in accordance with the UN charter.
More importantly, the resolution demanded Russia’s immediate departure from Ukraine, and reiterated international principles of “sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.”
However, the document did not specify the nature of measures needed to increase support for Ukraine.