India votes for ‘permanent sovereignty of Palestinian people’ at UN General Assembly

India supported a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly toaffirm the right of Palestinian people to self-determination. The resolution received overwhelming support from 172 member nations, with the United States and Israel being the sole dissenters.

The development follows India's earlier vote in favour of a draft resolution during a General Assembly session, where the country, after abstaining for about eight weeks, called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, the United States and Israel, along with eight other nations, voted against this resolution.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Observers note that India's voting pattern in the past week appears to have assuaged concerns in the Arab world, where some perceived a tilt towards Israel.

New Delhi has consistently asserted that a lasting peace in the region depends on a two-state solution.

India's stance on these critical resolutions reflects its commitment to a balanced approach in addressing the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the United Nations.

Also watch |India's External Affairs Minister on UNSC reforms & India's neighbourhood policy

An earlier resolution, introduced by Egypt that called for an immediate humanitarian truce, was adopted on December 12 during an emergency special session.

It secured 153 votes in favour, with 23 nations abstaining and 10 voting against it. The resolution, sponsored by nations including Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Palestine, called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. It reiterated the demand for all parties to adhere to international law, especially in safeguarding civilians, and stressed the urgent and unconditional release of hostages, coupled with ensuring humanitarian access.