India Abstains From UNGA Resolution Urging Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza

India chose to abstain from a United Nations General Assembly vote demanding an  “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza. The draft was passed with 149 countries in favour for an immediate implementation of the resolution out of the 193-member UN General Assembly.

India was among the 19 countries who refrained from voting in the resolution introduced by Spain. Among the nations abstaining were Albania, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Malawi, Panama, South Sudan and Togo. 12 nations voted against the implementation of the resolution.

The resolution entails Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, opening all border crossings and ensuring that aid reached the civilians of Gaza immediately. In addition, an unconditional implementation of the Security Council resolutions of June 2024 that includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the return of the remains of hostages who have been killed, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish provided explanation of the vote on the resolution titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” stating that the resolution is introduced against the backdrop of worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reported PTI.  “Our vote today is in continuation of this in the belief that there is no other way to resolve conflicts but through dialogue and diplomacy. A joint effort should be directed towards bringing the two sides closer. For these reasons, we would abstain on this resolution,” he stated. 

Harish reasserted India’s stance of dialogue and diplomacy and highlighted that India has always been on the side of peace and humanity. He also stated India's support for a two-state solution to the issue leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine.