India once again abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution that called for Israel to end its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories within the next year. This decision aligns with India’s long-standing cautious stance on the complex Israel-Palestine conflict.
During Wednesday’s vote, 124 nations voted in favor of the resolution, while 14 opposed it. India was among the 43 countries that abstained, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The resolution also demanded that Israel adhere to its international legal obligations, as outlined by the International Court of Justice.
In explaining India’s decision to abstain, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, stressed India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve conflicts. He asserted that India believes in building bridges rather than widening divides and that a two-state solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between the two sides, is the only path to lasting peace.
India’s position on the conflict has been consistent. While condemning the terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, India has also called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Furthermore, India has expressed its concern about the Palestinian plight, emphasizing the need to address their concerns seriously.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has repeatedly advocated for a two-state solution to the conflict. Earlier this year, he labeled the attack on Israel as an act of terrorism and acknowledged the Palestinian people’s historical injustices.
India’s abstention in the UN vote highlights its delicate balancing act in navigating the complex Israel-Palestine conflict. While advocating for peaceful resolution and acknowledging the suffering of both sides, India seeks to foster dialogue and diplomacy as the path to a lasting solution.
