India has exercised its voting power at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), throwing its support behind a resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire by Israel, protection of civilians according to international law, and the release of hostages.

The resolution, which secured overwhelming support from 153 countries, forming an unprecedented 4/5th majority in the Assembly, was a resounding international call for de-escalation and adherence to humanitarian principles. In contrast, only 10 countries, including the United States and Israel, stood in opposition, and 23 countries, primarily from Europe, chose abstention. India’s vote, amid this global consensus, attracted considerable attention.

A significant aspect of the resolution was the omission of any specific reference to the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas. This omission marked a departure from the context that had led to India’s reluctance to support a similar UNGA resolution on October 27. In her detailed explanation of the vote, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Khamboj, refrained from explicitly stating the reasons behind India’s shift. However, she emphasized the positive aspect of the international community finding “common ground” to address the escalating situation in West Asia.

India’s Response at UNGA

Khamboj outlined four critical dimensions of the crisis in her address to the UNGA. Firstly, she highlighted the October 7 “terrorist attack,” albeit without explicitly naming Hamas.

Secondly, she underscored the humanitarian crisis and the large-scale loss of civilian lives, emphasizing the severe consequences of the ongoing conflict.

Thirdly, Khamboj stressed the importance of observing international humanitarian law “in all circumstances,” underscoring the need for compliance regardless of the complexities of the conflict.

Lastly, she reiterated the global pursuit of a lasting “two-state solution” to the question of Palestine, aligning with broader international aspirations.

The UNGA resolution, officially titled “Protection of Civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations,” emerged following the United States’ unprecedented decision to veto a similar resolution in the UN Security Council on December 8.

This decision by the U.S., despite the explicit invocation of “Article 99” by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, added a layer of complexity to the global response. “Article 99” hadn’t been invoked since 1989 during the war in Lebanon, highlighting the gravity and complexity of the situation.

While the UNGA lacks the enforcement power of the UNSC, its resolutions carry the weight of global sentiment. India’s support for proposed amendments addressing specific actions of Hamas and the taking of hostages demonstrates a diplomatic balancing act amid intricate global dynamics. The final resolution expressed “grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip” and called for an immediate ceasefire, adherence to international law, the release of hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access.

The Israeli Ambassador expressed dissatisfaction before the vote, criticizing the resolution for not explicitly condemning Hamas.

In contrast to its earlier abstention from the October 27 resolution, India had released a comprehensive unofficial note explaining its stand. The note emphasized the absence of an “explicit condemnation” of the October 7 terror attacks as a decisive factor in its decision to abstain, underscoring India’s unwavering commitment to countering terrorism.

Palestine Thanks India for its Vote

The Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija said that all countries must say “Enough is enough”.

According to him, the US has opposed and 153 countries have voted for a ceasefire once again the US has opposed it and by doing so, it has again proved that they are partners of Israel in this continuing massacre of Palestinian people.