United Nations, February 24, 2025 – In a dramatic session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, India abstained from voting on both resolutions—one backed by the United States and the other by Ukraine and Europe.
Despite differences, both resolutions were adopted with 93 votes in favor. However, the US faced a major diplomatic setback when it abstained from voting on its own resolution, following successful amendments introduced by European nations.
India’s Position: A Delicate Balancing Act
India, which has consistently called for peace and diplomacy, was initially expected to support the US-led resolution. However, amendments introduced by European Union (EU) members altered the wording significantly, leading India to abstain.
In line with its previous voting patterns, India also abstained from the Europe-backed resolution, which called for a just and lasting peace and the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. India has previously avoided voting for resolutions that explicitly condemn Russia, maintaining its stance of engagement with both sides rather than outright alignment.
US Faces Setback, Looks to Security Council Vote
The US resolution sought a “swift end to the conflict”, rather than specifying a “just and lasting” peace. However, amendments introduced by the EU changed key terms, including:
- Replacing “Russia-Ukraine conflict” with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.”
- Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
- Insisting on “just, lasting, and comprehensive peace” rather than simply “lasting peace.”
These changes prompted the US to abstain from its own resolution, while Russia’s amendment—which sought to address the “root causes” of the conflict—was rejected.
While the US faced defeat in the General Assembly, it is now shifting focus to the Security Council, where it hopes France and the UK will not exercise their veto powers, as neither country has done so for decades. If passed, this would mark the first substantive Security Council resolution on the war since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
India’s Diplomatic Strategy: A Push for Dialogue
India has consistently avoided taking sides in the conflict, advocating instead for a return to diplomacy. Officials reiterated that India is not neutral but stands for peace, emphasizing the need for dialogue between both parties rather than external interventions.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reportedly been engaging directly with Russia, bypassing both the EU and Ukraine, in a bid to end the war through negotiations.
As tensions remain high, the UN Security Council’s upcoming vote could prove crucial in shaping the next phase of international diplomacy on the Russia-Ukraine war.
