India abstains on UNGA draft seeking immediate Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

India on Tuesday abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution seeking an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution, titled ‘Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine’, was adopted on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The 193-member Assembly passed the resolution with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. India was among the countries that chose to abstain. The draft was introduced by Ukraine.

Voting Pattern and Global Response

Besides India, nations such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States were among those that abstained.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the 107 countries that supported the resolution, describing it as a significant step toward achieving lasting peace. In a post on X, he said the measure included clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian citizens, adding that Kyiv would continue working with international partners to secure peace.

UN Chief Calls War a Threat to Peace

Marking four years since the invasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed the conflict a violation of international law and the UN Charter. He said the war remained a serious threat to regional and global peace and noted that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with 2025 witnessing the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine.

Guterres reiterated his appeal for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward a just and lasting peace, stressing that any resolution must uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.