India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The resolution, adopted with significant support, underscores the humanitarian crises resulting from the war. U.N. Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the need for urgent action while both U.S. and Ukrainian resolutions emphasize accountability and peace efforts.
India abstained during a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution demanding de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine. The resolution, titled ‘Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,’ was proposed by Ukraine and its European allies, receiving 93 votes for, 65 abstentions, and 18 votes against.
This resolution advocates for an early cessation of hostilities and emphasizes the need for compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law. Notably, it highlights the devastation and human suffering affecting civilians caught in the conflict.
As the vote concluded, applause echoed throughout the UNGA hall. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the ongoing war a significant threat to European peace and the foundational principles of the United Nations, stating the importance of achieving a comprehensive resolution.
The U.S. also presented an alternative resolution titled ‘The path to peace,’ which drew attention to the tragic losses resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. After a proposed amendment by France, this resolution was adopted with 93 in favor, 8 against, and 73 abstentions, with India again abstaining.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea from the U.S. Mission to the U.N. emphasized that previous resolutions demanding Russian withdrawal have failed to stop the conflict. She underscored the urgent need for a commitment to end the war and ensure lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian resolution reiterated the necessity of resolving the conflict this year while also enhancing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. It reiterated demands for Russia’s immediate and unconditional military withdrawal from Ukraine and cessation of hostilities, especially toward civilians.
The resolution stressed the importance of accountability for serious international law violations in Ukraine and the need for fair investigations and prosecutions; it called for justice for victims and measures to prevent future crimes.
Additionally, it included calls for the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of unlawfully detained persons, and the cessation of attacks on critical energy infrastructure to avoid potential nuclear risks. Guterres highlighted the dire humanitarian consequences over the past three years, reiterating the urgent need for a just and sustainable peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty.
India’s abstention from the UNGA resolution underscores its cautious diplomatic stance amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolution’s adoption marks a significant collective call for de-escalation and peace while emphasizing the humanitarian crisis caused by the war. Both resolutions presented by Ukraine and the U.S. indicate a unified insistence on accountability, sovereignty, and urgent action to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
