India abstains on UNGA resolution calling for de-escalation, peaceful resolution of Ukraine war

India abstained on a U.N. General Assembly draft resolution that called for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine.

India abstained on a U.N. General Assembly draft resolution that called for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine.

The 193-member U.N. General Assembly voted Monday (February 24, 2025) on the draft resolution ‘Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine’ tabled by Ukraine and its European allies.

The resolution, that was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 65 abstentions and 18 votes against, called for a “de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine, marked by enormous destruction and human suffering, including among the civilian population, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law”.

India was among the 65 U.N. Member States that abstained on the resolution. As the resolution was adopted, the UNGA hall broke into applause with Member States welcoming the adoption of the text.

The resolution comes on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres stressing that the war in Ukraine stands as a “grave threat” not only to the peace and security of Europe but also to the very foundations and core principles of the United Nations.

The U.S. also tabled a brief rival resolution ‘The path to peace’ that mourns the tragic loss of life throughout the “Russian Federation-Ukraine” conflict. A draft amendment tabled by France sought to replace “the Russian Federation-Ukraine conflict” in the US-tabled text with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation”.

The resolution, as amended, was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 8 against and 73 abstentions. India abstained on the US-tabled resolution.