In a move that generated widespread international attention, India refrained from supporting a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire during a period of escalated conflict in the Gaza Strip. The UNGA resolution, put forward by Jordan, received 120 affirmative votes, with only 14 countries, including Israel, the United States, Hungary, and five Pacific island nations, voting against it. India was among 45 countries, primarily from Western military alliances, that chose to abstain from the vote during an emergency UNGA session held in New York.
The Jordanian-proposed resolution stressed the need for a humanitarian "truce" and emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. It also called for the unconditional release of all captive civilians and the unhindered supply of essential provisions to Gaza. This resolution had sponsorship from several Arab and Islamic countries, including prominent nations like Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia.
India's stance also extended to voting in favor of a Western-supported draft amendment that aimed to explicitly condemn Hamas by name. The Canadian-sponsored amendment, supported by the United States and Western nations, sought to introduce language condemning Hamas and the taking of hostages. It received 88 votes in favor, 55 against, and 23 abstentions. However, the amendment failed to pass because it did not secure the necessary two-thirds majority of votes from the members 'present and voting.' Abstaining countries were counted as not voting in this context.
