In a significant move at the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza received overwhelming support, with 149 nations voting in favor. However, India was among the 19 countries that abstained from the vote, alongside nations like Ecuador, Romania, and Czechia. Twelve countries, including the United States, Israel, Argentina, Hungary, and Paraguay, voted against the resolution.
The resolution, introduced by Spain, came after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a similar resolution due to a veto from the United States. It called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The resolution also condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare and demanded that Israel end its blockade of Gaza, open border crossings, and ensure the delivery of aid to the Palestinian population.
India's decision to abstain is rooted in its belief that a durable peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations and dialogue between Israel and Palestine. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, explained that India's vote was a continuation of its previous abstentions on resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine issue. He emphasized that there is no alternative to resolving conflicts other than through diplomacy and that joint efforts should focus on bringing both sides closer to the negotiating table.
Ambassador Harish stated that India is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemns the loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India's call for the protection of civilians and the upholding of humanitarian obligations. India has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, both bilaterally and through the United Nations. India also believes that the release of hostages and a ceasefire are crucial to improving the humanitarian situation.
Despite abstaining, India has called for a safe, sustained, and timely supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India has also urged for the resumption of direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, with the goal of establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders.
This abstention marks a departure from India's vote in favor of a UNGA resolution for a ceasefire in December 2024. However, India had also abstained on resolutions in October 2023 and other resolutions pertaining to human rights investigations in 2023-2024. This recent abstention signals a growing trend in India's policy of not voting on resolutions critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite this, India maintains its support for a two-state solution and its commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
