Annexation of four Ukrainian regions: India votes against Russia’s demand for secret ballot in UNGA

Russia had demanded that the resolution be voted upon by secret ballot. Moscow’s demand for a secret ballot was rejected after 107 UN member states, including India, voted in favour of a recorded vote.

Also read | Follow the latest updates on Russia-Ukraine war here

Only 13 nations voted in favour of Russia’s call for a secret ballot while 39 abstained. Russia and China were among the countries those did not vote. After the motion to hold a recorded vote was adopted, Russia appealed against the ruling of the President of the General Assembly.

Russia sought reconsideration of the decision to adopt the motion submitted by Albania for a recorded vote. The General Assembly decided not to reconsider the motion after 104 nations, including India, voted against such a reconsideration, while 16 voted in favour and 34 abstained.

Our response to media queries on escalation of conflict in Ukraine:https://t.co/LoELjRwDEm pic.twitter.com/jCNHw95UKw

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 10, 2022

Last month, India had abstained while Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution tabled by the US and Albania to condemn Moscow’s “illegal referenda” and declared the annexation of four Ukrainian territories as invalid.

Russia fired cruise missiles on Monday, hitting multiple Ukrainian cities, including civilian facilities in Kyiv, killing at least 11 people.

A medical worker runs past a burning car after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (AP)

“India is deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including targeting of infrastructure and deaths of civilians,” the Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, had said in response to questions on the issue.

While India has not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine so far, this is one of the sharpest and most prompt statements by New Delhi.

Rescue workers survey the scene of a Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine on Monday (AP photo)

The MEA spokesperson reiterated the Indian position spelt out by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the UN General Assembly last month. “We reiterate that escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,” he said.

“India has consistently maintained since the beginning of the conflict that the global order is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” he said.