U.N. General Assembly condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine, India abstains

Modi speaks to Putin before the vote, ‘safe evacuation’ of Indians from conflict areas discussed

India, once again, abstained as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted 141-5 (35 abstentions) to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling on Moscow to unconditionally withdraw its troops. Voting on the resolution occurred after representatives of more than 120 countries, territories and associations, made remarks over two days at a special emergency session of the UNGA.

The General Assembly session was convened after a similar resolution had failed to pass the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) on Friday when Russia exercised its veto.

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The resolution, co-sponsored by 96 countries, needed two thirds of those present and voting to support it, for it to pass. It condemns the February 24 ‘special military operation’ [invasion] by Russia. It says no territories acquired through force will be recognised and calls for Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw from Ukraine.

Shortly before the vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They discussed the “safe evacuation” of Indians from conflict areas, the government said.

In its explanation of the vote statement, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T. S. Tirumurti, said that the “safe and uninterrupted passage” of Indian nationals, especially students, was India’s “foremost priority”. Calling for an “immediate ceasefire” and humanitarian access to conflict areas, Mr. Tirumurti said that India hoped the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine would yield positive results.

Russia’s actions have left India in an uncomfortable position as it attempts to balance its interests with both Moscow and the West. Given its experiences in its own neighbourhood, with China and Pakistan, India is also wary of the implications of not condemning one country unilaterally attempting to change the borders it shares with another.