India on Thursday abstained from voting on the resolution moved to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over alleged killings of civilians by Russian forces in Ukraine. The draft received 93 votes in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions.
After the voting India said that if it has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti said that the country had decided not to vote 'for reasons of both substance and process'.
The move could may not go down with US administration which has already warned India of 'signification consequences' if it aligns with Russia.
Since January this year, India has abstained on at least eight occasions on procedural votes and draft resolutions in the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council that deplored Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Also watch: Ukraine war: Russia suspended from UN Human Rights Council
While the US, Europe, Australia and Japan have imposed sanctions on Russia, India has declined and instead sought to continue imports of Russian oil.
The difference in stand between US and India on holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine, could potentially cast a shadow on the 2+2 talks between the 2 countries that will be held on April 11.