India abstains on UNSC decision condemning Russia’s ‘aggression’ in opposition to Ukraine

By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: India abstained on a US-sponsored UN Security Council decision that condemned Russia’s “aggression” in opposition to Ukraine and demanded “immediate, complete and unconditional” withdrawal of Russian forces from the neighbouring nation.

The UN Security Council voted on Friday on the draft decision sponsored by the US and Albania and supported by a number of different nations together with Poland, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Luxembourg and New Zealand.

11 international locations voted in favour of the decision whereas three international locations, together with India, abstained. 

A everlasting member of the Security Council, Russia used its veto energy blocking the decision, as anticipated, however western nations stated the decision seeks to indicate Moscow’s isolation on the worldwide stage for its invasion and actions in opposition to Ukraine.

All eyes had been on how India will solid its vote on the decision on condition that New Delhi has robust defence ties with Moscow.

During a phone dialog with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi “appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to debate Russia’s “premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine”, the State Department stated.

Blinken “stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire.”

India has thus far shunned condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and in a press release within the Security Council on Wednesday night time, simply as Putin ordered Ukraine’s invasion, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti expressed “deep concern” over the developments, which if not dealt with rigorously, might properly undermine the peace and safety of the area.

Ahead of the UNSC vote, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba stated in a tweet that in a name to Jaishankar, he requested “India to use all influence in its relations with Russia to force it to cease military aggression against Ukraine. Urged India as a non-permanent UNSC member to support today’s draft resolution on restoring peace in Ukraine.”

The decision condemned Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine” and decides that Russia “shall instantly stop its use of power in opposition to Ukraine and shall chorus from any additional illegal menace or use of power in opposition to any UN member state.

” The resolution also said that Russia “shall instantly, utterly, and unconditionally withdraw all of its army forces from the territory of Ukraine inside its internationally recognised borders.” The resolution said Moscow “shall instantly and unconditionally reverse the choice associated to the standing of sure areas of Donetsk and Luhansk areas of Ukraine.”

A senior Biden administration official had stated a day earlier than that Washington was placing ahead the decision “with every expectation that Russia will use its veto” and in doing so, “they will underscore their isolation.”

“First, of course, we expect that Russia will use its veto. And in doing so, they will underscore their isolation. We’re not going to abandon our principles; we’re not going to stand by and do nothing. It’s important that we send a message to Ukraine, to Russia, and to the world that the Security Council will not look away,” the official stated.