India abstained from a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution demanding the return of Ukrainian children reportedly deported or forcibly transferred to Russia since the war began. The resolution passed with 91 countries in favor, 12 against, and 57 abstentions.
The UN resolution expressed deep concern over children separated from their families, including those moved from Russian-occupied territories or relocated to Russia. It urged Moscow to ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of these children and called for a halt to forced transfers, deportations, changes in citizenship or adoption, and any indoctrination efforts. According to official figures, over 6,300 children have been deported, with more than 20,000 additional cases under investigation.
Russia strongly opposed the resolution, calling the allegations false. Moscow argued that many children were evacuated from war zones or lost contact with families due to conflict and defended simplified citizenship procedures as measures to provide safety, not coercion. Russian officials framed support for the resolution as backing “lies, war and confrontation.”
India’s abstention, along with countries like China, Brazil, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is seen as a diplomatic balancing act. Analysts say New Delhi aims to maintain its strategic ties with Russia while navigating complex humanitarian and global political pressures. By abstaining rather than voting for or against, India avoids taking a direct public stance on the sensitive issue of children caught in conflict.
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