India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution that called for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution, introduced by Spain, was passed with overwhelming support in the 193-member General Assembly.
It reiterated demands for a ceasefire to be respected by all parties and called for the immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. The resolution garnered 149 votes in favour, 12 against, and 19 abstentions — India being one of the countries that chose not to vote either for or against. Other abstaining nations included Albania, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Malawi, Panama, South Sudan, and Togo.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, provided an explanation for the abstention on the resolution titled ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’. He noted that the resolution came in the context of a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Ambassador Harish said that India is deeply concerned about the deteriorating crisis and condemns the loss of civilian lives. He pointed out that India has previously abstained from voting on resolutions concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict, maintaining that such issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. “Our vote today reflects that same belief,” he said, adding that all efforts should be directed toward fostering dialogue between the two sides. “For these reasons, we have chosen to abstain on this resolution.”
The resolution also called on Israel, referred to as the “occupying power,” to lift the blockade on Gaza, open all border crossings, and ensure the immediate and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. It urged all parties to fully and unconditionally implement the provisions of a Security Council resolution passed in June 2024.
These provisions include an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the return of the remains of deceased hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to their homes across Gaza, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
Ambassador Harish reiterated that India stands for peace and humanity, and has consistently advocated for the protection of civilians and adherence to humanitarian principles. He stressed the importance of delivering sustained and timely humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. He reaffirmed India’s longstanding support for diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable solution, warning that continued blame games and political posturing only hinder progress toward peace.
India remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution that would see the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel, within secure and internationally recognised borders. Harish called for the creation of conditions conducive to restarting direct peace talks. “We hope this Assembly will send a clear message that encourages dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way for peace and ending the humanitarian suffering in Gaza,” he said.
He also noted that India has consistently provided humanitarian aid to Gaza, both directly and through UN agencies. He added that securing the release of remaining hostages and ensuring a ceasefire are essential steps toward alleviating the humanitarian crisis. “Our collective voice should reflect this urgency,” he stated.
