India abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on December 3, 2025, demanding that Russia immediately return Ukrainian children who had been forcibly transferred or deported during the ongoing conflict. The vote occurred a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in New Delhi for a two-day state visit.
The resolution, titled "Return of Ukrainian children," was adopted during a resumed emergency special session of the UNGA, with 91 votes in favor, 12 against, and 57 abstentions. India was among the countries that abstained, along with Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The resolution voiced deep concern about the impact of the war on children, particularly those separated from their families since 2014. It cited Ukrainian children moved within Russian-occupied territories and those taken to Russia. It also deplored the legislative and administrative measures taken by Russia since 2022 that "simplify" the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainian children, particularly orphans, children deprived of parental care, and unaccompanied children. The resolution demanded that Russia "ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported" and urged Moscow to cease any further practice of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families and legal guardians, change of personal status, including through citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. It stressed the need to investigate and ensure accountability for those responsible for forcible transfers and deportations of children, in accordance with international law.
Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa stated that, as of October 2025, there were 6,395 deported and forcibly transferred children, and over 20,000 cases of deportation and forcible transfer were being investigated.
India has consistently abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. This includes the initial resolution deploring the invasion, as well as subsequent votes on the annexation of territories and demands for reparations. India maintains a neutral stance, emphasizing respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. India has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and direct dialogue between the parties involved.
Putin's visit to India, his first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, aims to strengthen defense and trade ties between the two countries. India's approach to the Russia-Ukraine war reflects its broader foreign policy of strategic autonomy and balancing relations with multiple partners. Harsh V. Pant, an international relations scholar at King's College London, noted that the visit signals the importance of the relationship between India and Russia and India's intent for strategic autonomy. India's External Affairs Minister has reinforced these themes, reiterating India's position that the global order is anchored on international law, the UN Charter, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. Prime Minister Modi has also communicated with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging continued negotiations.
