India Abstains from UNGA Gaza Resolution, Maintains Consistent Policy Amid Global Majority Vote

India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution concerning the protection of civilians and adherence to humanitarian obligations in Gaza.

The resolution, initiated by Spain, called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions, including India.

India Cites Policy Consistency for Abstention

India’s abstention aligned with its earlier decisions to avoid voting on UN resolutions demanding ceasefires in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, clarified that the country supports a negotiated two-state solution.

He said, “India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side, in peace with Israel.”

Despite this explanation, India broke ranks with fellow South Asian, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries, all of which voted in favor of the resolution.

Congress Accuses Government of Policy Failure

The Indian National Congress strongly criticized the Modi-led government’s decision, accusing it of undermining India’s traditional foreign policy.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “It is now increasingly evident that our Foreign Policy is in shambles. Perhaps, PM Modi must now take a call on his EAM’s repeated blunders and set some accountability.”

In a post on X, he pointed out India’s isolation, being one of only 19 nations to abstain.

Kharge reminded that the Congress had condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 8, 2023, and also denounced the Israeli military response in Gaza.

“60,000 people have died and there is a widespread and horrific humanitarian crisis,” he said, questioning whether India had abandoned its longstanding advocacy for ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the region.

Calls for Accountability and Reaffirmation of Principles

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also voiced disappointment, noting that India stood alone in South Asia, BRICS, and SCO in abstaining. “60,000 killed.

Most of them women and children. Thousands starving. International aid blocked. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding,” he said.

Venugopal demanded the Ministry of External Affairs explain what had changed in the last six months that shifted India’s stance from supporting a ceasefire to abstaining.

He accused the Centre of disregarding the diplomatic legacies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Condemns India’s Silence

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the abstention a betrayal of India’s anti-colonial heritage.

She stated, “This is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. Not only are we standing silent as Mr Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, we are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty.”

She questioned how India could forsake the values embedded in its Constitution and freedom struggle, asserting that global leadership demands courage to stand for justice.

“In a world that is increasingly divisive, we must reclaim our voice for humanity and stand fearlessly for truth and non-violence,” she said.

Pawan Khera Recalls India’s Historic Support for Palestine

AICC media department head Pawan Khera described India’s abstention as “an act of staggering moral cowardice.”

He highlighted India’s historical support for Palestine, noting its early recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974, inviting Yasser Arafat to the Non-Aligned Movement summit in 1983, and formally recognizing Palestinian statehood in 1988.

He said the abstention marked a “craven U-turn” from India’s December 2024 vote in favor of a ceasefire, calling the current move a betrayal of India’s principled stance and conscience.

Mounting Global Concern Over Gaza Crisis

The UNGA resolution was adopted amid growing global alarm over the situation in Gaza, where continued hostilities have resulted in extensive civilian casualties.

The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with international aid efforts blocked and thousands reported to be starving.

India’s decision to abstain has sparked questions about its evolving diplomatic strategy and whether it still adheres to the moral leadership it once claimed in international affairs.

Congress Demands Reinstatement of India’s Moral Voice

In its final statement, Congress urged India to reclaim its voice for justice, peace, and human dignity. “The world does not listen to the nation that speaks loudest, it listens to a nation that speaks with clarity, courage and conscience. And India must never surrender that voice,” Pawan Khera asserted.