With back-to-back abstaining at the UN, India has sent a very strong message to the world

• India has abstained from voting on UNHRC resolution against Russia
• This abstention came even after US president Joe Biden reportedly spared no effort in convincing India
• For most of its needs, India is self-dependent, and these abstentions are a vindication of India’s growing prowess

For a majority of its existence as a United Nations (UN) affiliated nation, it was tough for India to take a stand on its own. Not anymore, as in the wake of its slew of abstinences on the Ukraine crisis, the nation has sent a strong message to the world.

India abstains in UNHRC

India has again refused to cater to the demands of the western bloc. On Friday, the 4^th of March, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) decided to establish an international commission of enquiry on the devastation caused by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. The enquiry will especially be directed towards Russia’s actions in war.

According to the resolution adopted by UNHRC, around 6,60,000 civilians have been displaced due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution expressed strong condemnation for Russia’s actions. It will soon be establishing an independent international commission of inquiry to fix Russia’s liabilities on the catastrophe in Ukraine.

The resolution was discussed among 47 member countries of the councils. 32 countries voted in favour of the resolution while 13 countries refused to take sides, India being one of them. The nation refused to vote in favour of or against the resolution.

Read more: India’s strategic abstainment in the UNSC is a grand friendship gesture towards Russia

India issues strong statements

Indraneel Pandey, India’s Permanent Representative in UN said that no solution supersedes human lives. “No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution for settling differences and disputes”, said Pandey

India’s representative also called for providing safe humanitarian access to conflict zones. Expressing concern over the safety of Indian students, he said, “We are also deeply concerned over the safety and security of thousands of Indian nationals, including young Indian students, who are still stranded in Ukraine. We are working together with neighbouring states for their evacuation”

Sixth abstention on Russia related issues

This is the sixth abstention by the nation on issues concerning Russia. Before this latest diplomatic neutrality at UNHRC, India had already abstained from three votes at UN Security Council. The Nation also abstained from voting in two UNGA resolutions and one International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution.

Harsh Shringla, India’s Union foreign secretary categorically stated that India’s slew of abstentions is based on careful considerations and this is the best the country can do to preserve its own interest.

Read more: India’s support for Russia at UNSC came a day after Putin trashed Pakistan

India made early preparations for its stands

India’s stand of ‘keeping its own national interest first’ is corroborated by the fact that India refused to entertain the US’ demands of voting against Russia. Apparently, in a QUAD meeting, Uncle Sam had tried to pressurize India through the China card which India refused to bow down to.

As soon as Russia confirmed that its soldiers were inside Ukrainian territory, India had anticipated that the US will try to force it to take a stand against Russia. As reported by the TFI, this is the reason why India took a bold initiative to cancel multi-billion drone deals with the Joe Biden administration. Read our detailed summary about it

Read more: India’s bold statement to the US amidst the Ukraine-Russia war

There was a time when India was dependent on other countries for its economic, defence and strategic needs. Times have changed and India is one of the growing superpowers in almost every field. With these abstentions, India has shown the world that it will chalk out its territory in an unapologetic manner.