In keeping with its track record of not voting against Russia at the UN, India abstained from voting on a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution condemning Russia’s “illegal so-called referendums” in four Ukrainian regions formally annexed by Moscow on Friday. India’s permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboja, said during a UN Security Council debate on a resolution proposed by the United States and Albania: “India is deeply concerned by the recent turn of events in Ukraine.” Later in her remarks, she added that due to the “overall situation”, India was abstaining from voting on the resolution.
Ten countries voted for the resolution. China, Brazil and Gabon abstained along with India. Russia, as a permanent member of the council, vetoed the resolution. The US has previously said it will take the matter to the General Assembly.
Annexes and resolutions
India did not specify the “recent developments” that concerned it. But in the last fortnight, Russia has faced military setbacks on the ground; then it announced another military mobilization and held a referendum that lacks international legitimacy in more than 15% of Ukraine’s territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin formally announced the integration of four Ukrainian regions into the Russian Federation on Friday. “I want the Kyiv authorities and their real masters in the West to hear me.” For everyone to remember. People living in Luhansk and Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia become our citizens. Forever,”
The draft UN Security Council resolution states that these are “areas that are partially under the control of the Russian Federation as a result of a large-scale Russian invasion, which is contrary to the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” So far, India has not called the conflict in Ukraine a Russian invasion.
The resolution then stated that Ukraine had not authorized “so-called referendums” held in “regions of Ukraine” and that these were “illegal under international law”. It “condemned” Russia’s “illegal actions with regard to the illegal so-called referendums” between September 23 and 27 as an attempt to “adjust the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.”
A UN Security Council resolution called Russia’s attempts to annex territory a “threat to international peace and security”. She condemned the referendums; declared that Russia’s actions had no validity; urged states and international actors not to recognize any change in the status of Ukrainian regions or any alleged acquisition by Russia; and ruled that Russia must “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine, including the regions where the referendum took place.
Indian attitude
Kamboj reiterated India’s position in favor of peace. “We have always held that no solution can ever be achieved at the cost of human lives. We call on the parties concerned to make every effort to immediately stop the violence and hostilities. Dialogue is the only answer to resolving disputes and dialogue, as daunting as it may seem at the moment.”
She added that the path to peace “requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open.” “The Prime Minister of India has clearly communicated this to world leaders, including the President of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. So did our Minister of Foreign Affairs during his recent engagement at the UN General Assembly last week. The Indian Prime Minister also emphasized that this cannot be an era of war. Kamboj was referring to PM Modi’s comment on Putin in Samarkand, which won Delhi accolades in the Western world, as well as EAM S Jaishankar’s speech at the UN General Assembly last Saturday, where he said India stands for peace and the UN Charter.
“India’s position has been clear and consistent since the very beginning of this conflict. The global order is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” she added, reiterating India’s position.
India added: “There is no interest in escalating rhetoric or tension. It is important that ways are found to return to the negotiating table. Considering the overall situation, India decided to abstain from voting on the resolution.
