Last updated on April 24th, 2022 at 06:13 pm
As expected, Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council’s 15-member powerful body, used its veto power, and the resolution failed.
India voted against a UN Security Council resolution sponsored by the United States that strongly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. New Delhi stated that dialogue is the only way to resolve differences and disputes, and expressed “regret” that the path of diplomacy was abandoned.
The resolution was defeated because Russia, as a permanent member, exercised its veto. The resolution received 11 votes in favor and three abstentions from the UN Security Council’s 15 members, including India, China, and the UAE.
As India attempts to maintain a tough diplomatic balance in the Russia-Ukraine war, it has used strong words about Russia’s actions but has stopped short of sanctioning Russia.
Prior to the vote, the US increased pressure on India to commit to a stronger response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the importance of a “strong collective response” to condemn Russia’s “premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine.”
Hours later, India maintained its position at the UN Security Council vote, issuing a sharp Explanation of Vote calling for a return to the path of diplomacy.
“India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of events in Ukraine,” said India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador TS Tirumurti, explaining India’s abstention.
“All member states should uphold the principles of international law and the UN Charter, as these provide a constructive path forward,” India said, claiming that it had maintained a “consistent, steadfast, and balanced position.”
The statement called for states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected, as well as an immediate cessation of violence and hostilities, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Thursday.
According to sources, by abstaining, India has retained the option of reaching out to relevant parties in an attempt to bridge the gap and find a middle ground, with the goal of fostering dialogue and diplomacy.
An earlier draught of the resolution proposed moving the resolution under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which states that the framework within which the Security Council has the authority to take enforcement action According to sources, this was dropped in the final version that was put to a vote.