India, 18 others abstain as UN adopts Gaza ceasefire resolution | WATCH

New York: The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, with 149 countries voting in favour. India was among 19 nations that abstained, while the United States, Israel, and 10 others voted against the measure.

Notably, key US allies including the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan backed the resolution, marking a shift in international sentiment amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The vote comes in the wake of the US vetoing a similar resolution at the UN Security Council last week. Since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military response, India had previously supported two General Assembly resolutions -- in December 2023 and again in December 2024 -- both calling for a ceasefire.

India’s latest abstention comes just over a month after a military conflict with Pakistan, during which India reportedly deployed Israeli-made drones for deep strikes and relied on Israeli air defence systems to repel retaliatory attacks. The recent escalation is seen as having reinforced India’s strategic defence ties with Israel.

India reiterates call for dialogue and humanitarian aid

Explaining India’s position, Ambassador P Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said the abstention was consistent with India’s earlier stance on two other resolutions -- one in 2022 that referred to “violations by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” to the International Court of Justice, and another in 2024 urging Israel to uphold the UN Charter while endorsing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has since been barred by Israel.

Harish stated that India remained deeply concerned over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemned the continued loss of civilian lives. He reiterated New Delhi’s support for a two-state solution through peaceful negotiations and called for sustained and timely humanitarian assistance.

“We hope this August assembly will send a clear message to expand the prospect for dialogue and diplomacy towards restoration of peace and bringing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to an end,” said Harish.

The ambassador said India’s decision to abstain was rooted in its belief that only dialogue and diplomacy can bring about lasting peace. “Our joint effort should be directed towards bringing the two sides closer,” he added.

Harish also called for the release of remaining hostages and a ceasefire to help ease the suffering in Gaza. “Our collective voice should echo this,” he said. “India’s abiding commitment to dialogue and diplomacy is well known and we firmly believe this is the only way forward. Continuing argumentation and accusations hinder the path to peace.”