Ukraine Crisis: Tough Choices For India At UNSC, UNGA; Know Why

New Delhi: India is facing more difficult choices at the United Nations Security Council after the United States and European-led coalition pushed for a vote at the UN General Assembly aimed at “isolating Russia”. India had abstained from UNSC resolution 8979 that condemned Russian action in Ukraine on Saturday.

The UNGA vote, likely to take place as early as Monday, following a discussion of the UNSC on an “emergency special session” to examine the text of the resolution 8979 which Russia had vetoed late on Sunday night.

Leading the diplomatic charge against Russia, the US and European nations are hoping to gain a large majority in the 193-member UNGA. For the record, more than 80 countries co-sponsored Resolution 8979, and have been convincing others to vote along with them.

“We are presenting our position to the Ministry of External Affairs on why it must support Ukraine against Russia’s attacks,” a European diplomat was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“It is up to India to decide whether to stand with the aggressor or the victim,” he added. He also said that despite the earlier abstention, diplomats feel India could “potentially” alter its stand.

“If a UNGA vote happens, India will have to choose where it stands in the much larger global arena: with us, or with countries like China, Syria and Venezuela on the issue,” another Western diplomat was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

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