India was among 51 countries that abstained from voting on a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, which called for an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, triggering the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
The resolution was introduced by Kyiv in the General Assembly on Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of the start of the conflict.
It was adopted by the 193-member Assembly.
While 107 nations voted in favour of the resolution, 12 voted against it.
Apart from India, the 50 member states that abstained from the resolution included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
The resolution reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
It called for the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilians forcibly transferred or deported, including children.
The document also expressed concern at the continued and intensified attacks by Russia against civilians, civilian objects and critical energy infrastructure, and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, PTI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said that India is not neutral in the matter, but “on the side of peace”, underlining New Delhi’s support to end the conflict in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that he was grateful to the 107 countries that supported the resolution.
“These are the right and necessary steps,” Zelenskyy said. “And we will keep working actively to achieve peace, together with our partners.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace.
“This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security,” he said on social media. “The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes.”
The general secretary said that civilians bore the brunt of the conflict.
He added that 2025 witnessed the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine.
“This is simply unacceptable,” Guterres said. “I reiterate my call for an immediate, full & unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting & comprehensive peace.”
He added: “For peace to be just, it must be in line with international law, respecting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty & territorial integrity.”
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