India abstained on a resolution at the UN Security Council (UNSC) that denounced Russia’s “illegal so-called referenda” in four of Ukraine’s regions that Moscow formally annexed on Friday, continuing its pattern of not voting against Russia at the UN.
Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent representative to the UN, said during a discussion in the UNSC on a resolution proposed by the United States and Albania that “India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine.” She also reiterated New Delhi’s position in support of peace, diplomacy, and dialogue.
She continued by stating that India will not be participating in the resolution’s voting due to the “totality of the circumstance.”
The resolution and annexation
India did not give any details about the “recent developments” that upset it. But during the last two weeks, Russia has suffered military defeats on the battlefield. As a result, it declared greater military mobilisation and staged an unconstitutional referendum on more than 15% of Ukraine’s territory.
Four Ukrainian areas were legally incorporated into the Russian Federation on Friday, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I want the Kiev authorities to hear me, as well as their true overlords in the West. so that everyone will recall. Citizens of our country are moving to Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Forever,”
These are “areas that, in part, are under the authority of the Russian Federation as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, in violation of the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” according to the draught UNSC resolution. India has not yet referred to the Ukrainian war as a Russian invasion.
The resolution went on to state that the “so-called referenda” held in “Ukraine’s regions” were “illegal under international law” since Ukraine had not authorised them. Between September 23 and September 27, it “deplored” Russia’s “illegal acts with relation to the illegal so-called referenda” as an effort to “alter Ukraine’s internationally recognised boundaries.”
Russian annexation efforts were described in the UNSC resolution as posing a “threat to world peace and security.” The document held that Russia must “immediately, completely, and unconditionally” withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine, including from the regions where the referendums were held. It also condemned the referendums and stated that Russia’s actions lacked legal standing. It also urged states and other international actors not to recognise any change in the status of Ukraine’s regions or any alleged acquisition by Russia.
India’s Stance
Kamboj reaffirmed India’s support for peace in his statement. “We have always argued against finding a solution at the expense of human life. We implore all parties involved to exert every possible effort toward an immediate end to hostilities and bloodshed. Even though it might seem difficult right now, a discussion is the only way to resolve conflicts.
She continued by saying that maintaining open lines of diplomacy is necessary for achieving peace. “The Prime Minister of India has made this clear to other international leaders, such as the leaders of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. So has our minister of external affairs, as evidenced by recent appearances at the UNGA last week. Additionally, the Prime Minister of India has emphasised that this cannot be a time of war.
India earnestly hopes for an “early restart of peace negotiations to result in an immediate ceasefire and settlement of the war,” according to Kamboj.
“India’s position has been very clear and unwavering throughout this war. She said, reinforcing India’s position, “The global order is founded in the ideals of the UN charter, international law, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all governments.
India continued, “It is not in anyone’s interest for the rhetoric or tension to escalate. It is crucial to find a means to get back to the bargaining table. India made the decision to abstain from voting on the resolution after considering the overall circumstances.
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