India Opposes UN Resolution on Death Penalty Moratorium

In a significant move, India has voted against a UN General Assembly resolution that calls for a moratorium on the death penalty. The resolution, introduced by Mexico, received support from 133 countries, while India and 32 others opposed it. This decision reflects India's stance on capital punishment amidst a global trend towards its limitation. The resolution expresses concern over the rising number of executions and urges nations to restrict the death penalty's application, particularly for vulnerable groups. India's participation in this vote highlights its commitment to its legal framework and the complexities surrounding the death penalty debate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 12:06 IST

India's Vote Against Death Penalty Moratorium

Indian Diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan at the UN (Photo: @sidhant / X)

United Nations, Nov 15: India has cast its vote against a proposed resolution in the UN General Assembly that urges countries to impose a moratorium on the death penalty.

The resolution, introduced by Mexico, was adopted by the 193-member UNGA on Friday, with 133 nations supporting it, 33 opposing, and 16 abstaining.

India joined several other countries, including Bahrain, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the US, in voting against the resolution.

This resolution raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing use of the death penalty and reaffirmed the sovereignty of nations to shape their legal frameworks, including the determination of legal penalties in line with international law.

It urged all nations to implement a moratorium on executions with the aim of abolishing capital punishment altogether. Additionally, it requested that countries which have already abolished the death penalty refrain from reinstating it.

The resolution highlighted a troubling increase in reported executions in 2025, despite a global trend towards limiting the death penalty's application.

It called for a gradual reduction in the use of capital punishment and emphasized that it should not be applied to individuals under 18 years of age or to those whose age at the time of the crime cannot be accurately established.

Furthermore, it advocated for restrictions on the death penalty for pregnant women, individuals with mental or intellectual disabilities, and older persons, while also suggesting a reduction in the number of crimes punishable by death, including the elimination of mandatory death sentences.