Geneva/New Delhi: India on Friday abstained on a UN Human Rights Council vote to urgently set up an independent international commission of inquiry into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and alleged human rights violations taking place there.
India, along with China, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, was among 11 countries that abstained. Two countries voted against the resolution – Russia and Eritrea, while it got 32 Yes votes.
The 47-member Council voted on a draft resolution on the ‘Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression.’ The resolution, which strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was adopted with 32 votes in favour, including from France, Germany, Japan, Nepal, UAE, UK and the US.
At the 49th Human Rights Council Session in Geneva on Thursday, India had said that it is greatly concerned over the steadily worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and urged for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to hostilities.
Earlier, at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday, India too abstained from voting on a resolution deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. India abstained on the resolution on “the safety, security and safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine” at the IAEA.
In its Statement on Explanation of Vote, India said that it remains deeply concerned at the worsening situation in Ukraine and reiterated its conviction that differences can only be bridged through sustained dialogue and diplomacy.
“India attaches the highest importance to ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities as any accident involving the nuclear facilities may have severe consequences for public health and the environment.”
“India accords highest priority to the discharge by the Agency of its safeguards and monitoring activities, in accordance with its Statute in an effective, non discriminatory and efficient manner.
“We have also noted the information available, including the latest updates from the DG, AEA on the current situation with regard to the nuclear power plants and facilities in Ukraine.
“In overall consideration, India has decided to abstain on the resolution.” The latest abstentions by India come after it abstained on two resolutions on condemning Russia in the 15-nation UN Security Council, and again in the UN General Assembly on the Ukraine issue – all in a week, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
