India, China and UAE abstain from a vote on UN Security action on Ukraine, Russia vetoes.
India decided to abstain from the vote on the US-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Friday that would have condemned Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Along with China and UAE, India abstained from the vote on the UNSC resolution deploring Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
Russia vetoed the resolution. The remaining 11 council members voted in favour. The draft resolution is now expected to be taken up by the 193-member UN General Assembly.
“India is deeply disturbed by recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence & hostilities. No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives: India’s PR to UN, TS Tirumurti at UNSC meeting on Ukraine,” India said in a statement released as an explanation of vote.
Many experts believe India is adapting to the new world order.
National security and Indo-Pacific expert at the US-based RAND Corporation, Professor Derek J Grossman, tweeted, “Now that we know India has abstained at the United Nations to the resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it’s time for some tough love: Russia isn’t India’s friend. The geostrategic winds have changed significantly since the Cold War. It’s ok for New Delhi to adapt.”
India has avoided condemning Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did appeal to end violence in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
However, India’s move should not surprise many as it has been a consistent position. In 2014, Inda had avoided using strong words when Russia annexed Crimea and abstained from a UN resolution upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Jo Biden’s administration was apprehensive about India before the vote. When asked about India’s position on Thursday, Biden said, “We’re in consultation with India today. We haven’t resolved that completely.”
Biden said Putin would be a pariah on the international stage as a result of his attack on Ukraine, and “any nation that countenances Russia’s naked aggression against Ukraine will be stained by association.”
Deputy Director (Asia Program) at the Wilson Centre in Washington, Michael Kugelman, says it’s a consistent position, and the US accepts it.
“Not surprising that India isn’t calling Russia out, including at tonight’s UNSC meeting. In 2014, India said little when Russia annexed Crimea & abstained from a UN resolution upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It’s a consistent position. I’m sure the US grudgingly accepts it,” he tweeted.
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