India on Friday abstained from the UN Security Council resolution that condemned Russia’s ‘aggression’ against Ukraine.

The resolution failed to pass as Russia predictably used its veto power to block it. Eleven countries voted in favour of the resolution, while India, along with China and the UAE, abstained.

In a detailed statement dated February 25, TS Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, offered an explanation regarding India’s stance.

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The resolution against Russia would be a step further away from constructive dialogue, which India believed is the need of the hour. 

“Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it,” the statement read.

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The 15-member UN 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, reported news agency PTI.

“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.

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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.

Russia, a permanent member of the 15-nation powerful Security Council, used its veto power and the resolution failed, as expected, but Western nations said the resolution seeks to show Moscow’s isolation on the global stage for its invasion and actions against Ukraine.

The Council resolution, which condemned Russia’s February 23 declaration of the “special military operation” in Ukraine, reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

(Written with PTI inputs)