India abstains on UNSC resolution that 'deplores' Russian aggression against Ukraine

India abstained on a UN Security Council resolution by the US that “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression" against Ukraine, as New Delhi called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and asserted that dialogue is the only answer to settling disputes.

The 15-nation Security Council voted on the draft resolution Friday afternoon by the US and Albania and co-sponsored by a "cross-regional" group of 67 UN member states, including Australia, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom.

India, China and the UAE abstained on the resolution, which received 11 votes in favour by Albania, Brazil, France, Gabon, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, the UK and the US. The resolution was blocked since permanent member Russia, and President of the Security Council for the month of February, used its veto.

“India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in the country’s explanation of vote in the Council.

Tirumurti also said India is “deeply concerned” about the welfare and security of the Indian community, including a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine.

He said that no solution can ever be arrived at, at the cost of human lives.