Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India has once again abstained from voting on two key resolutions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The resolutions, proposed separately by the United States and European nations, marked the third anniversary of the ongoing conflict.
Both resolutions were adopted with 93 votes in favor, as European Union (EU) nations secured broader support in the 193-member assembly for a comprehensive peace plan and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Abstains from Its Own Resolution Amid Amendments
The US-backed resolution, which sought a swift end to the conflict, took a surprising turn when the US itself abstained from voting on its own proposal. This came after European nations introduced amendments in the draft, altering its original language.
India, which has consistently maintained its stance of advocating peace through dialogue, was initially expected to vote in favor. However, due to last-minute amendments, India chose to abstain from both resolutions.
Europe-Backed Resolution Calls for Russian Troop Withdrawal
India was also among 65 nations that abstained from voting on the EU-backed resolution, which demanded an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. This aligns with India’s previous voting patterns, where it has refrained from supporting resolutions that explicitly condemn Russia.
India’s official stance remains that both sides should engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been engaging directly with Russia, excluding the EU and Ukraine from the process in an attempt to end the war.
Setback for US, Hopes for Security Council Vote
While the UNGA vote marks a setback for the US, Washington hopes to secure a stronger stance at the UN Security Council (UNSC). It remains to be seen whether France and the UK will veto the resolution, as both countries have not exercised their veto power in decades.
If passed, this would be the first substantive UNSC resolution on the Ukraine war since the conflict began in 2022. The only previous resolution, adopted days after Russia’s invasion, had called for a special emergency session in the UNGA.
Key Amendments in the US Draft
EU member states successfully introduced three key amendments to the US-backed resolution, which led to the US withdrawing its own support:
1. Terminology Change: The phrase “Russia-Ukraine conflict” was replaced with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation”.
2. Sovereignty & Borders: The resolution reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, including its territorial waters.
3. Peace Terminology: The phrase “just, lasting, and comprehensive peace” was introduced, replacing the original “lasting peace”.
Meanwhile, Russia’s proposed amendment to include the “root causes of the conflict” was rejected.
