India Abstains from UN Vote on Ceasefire Resolution Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
India's Position in the UN General Assembly
On Tuesday, India was one of the 51 nations that chose to abstain from a United Nations General Assembly vote regarding a resolution that called for an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine.
The conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has resulted in the most severe hostilities in Europe since World War II.
This resolution was put forth by Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the conflict's onset and received approval from the 193-member Assembly.
While 107 countries supported the resolution, 12 nations opposed it.
In addition to India, other abstaining countries included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
The resolution reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
It also called for the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilians who have been forcibly transferred or deported, including children.
Concerns were raised regarding the ongoing and intensified attacks by Russia on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities, as well as the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that India is not neutral but rather “on the side of peace,” highlighting New Delhi's commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the @UN.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2026
The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people.
These are the right and… pic.twitter.com/s5tmD1Bymm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on social media for the support from the 107 countries, stating, “These are the right and necessary steps. And we will keep working actively to achieve peace, together with our partners.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the war as a violation of international law and a significant threat to global peace.
He remarked, “This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security. The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes.”
Guterres noted that civilians have suffered the most from the conflict, with 2025 recording the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine.
“This is simply unacceptable,” he stated, reiterating his call for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a crucial step towards achieving a just and lasting peace.
He concluded by asserting that for peace to be just, it must align with international law, respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.