India Abstains from UN Vote on Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

New York : India chose to abstain from voting on a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by Spain amid escalating humanitarian concerns in the region, was passed with 149 countries voting in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions, including India.

Titled “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations”, the resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, along with an urgent demand to facilitate large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, explained India’s position in a brief but firm statement. “We remain deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis and condemn the loss of civilian lives,” he said. “However, India believes that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Highlighting India's long-standing balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, Ambassador Harish noted that India had similarly refrained from participating in previous UN votes of this nature. “We urge both parties to engage meaningfully in efforts backed by the international community aimed at a peaceful resolution,” he added.

The resolution also called upon Israel to immediately lift its blockade on Gaza, open all border crossings, and accelerate humanitarian aid delivery to Palestinian civilians in line with international law.

India’s abstention comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East continue to mount, with heavy casualties reported and calls for humanitarian relief intensifying. While India has voiced concern over civilian suffering, it has consistently maintained a neutral position, advocating for a two-state solution and restraint from all parties.

Observers view India’s abstention as part of its careful diplomatic balancing act between its growing ties with Israel and its traditional support for the Palestinian cause. This approach reflects New Delhi’s increasing emphasis on strategic autonomy and multilateral dialogue rather than alignment with polarized positions.

Though abstaining from the vote, India reiterated its support for all international initiatives aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the protection of civilians. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, India’s call for dialogue and constructive engagement underlines its broader foreign policy stance — that conflicts must be resolved at the table, not the battlefield.