RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1362
ANSWERED ON- 31/07/2025
INDIA’S ABSTENTION FROM VOTING ON GAZA CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION
1362. DR. JOHN BRITTAS
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether India’s support for the Palestinian cause has been an integral part of our foreign policy;
(b) whether India abstained from voting on UN General Assembly resolution on 12.06.2025 demanding immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid;
(c) if so, reasons for India’s abstention despite voting in favour of similar resolution in December 2024;
(d) whether Government assessed diplomatic impact of this abstention, particularly considering India’s position within BRICS, Global South and South Asia;
(e) if so, whether the abstention can be seen as a dilution of this policy; and
(f) if so, details thereof and response thereto?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (f) India’s policy towards Palestine has been long standing. India has always supported a negotiated two State solution, which would see the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel- Hamas conflict. India remains concerned at the security situation and has called for a ceasefire, release of all hostages and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India has emphasized the need for safe, timely and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. India has also reiterated that bringing Israel and Palestine closer contributes to creating conditions for early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
India has reiterated the above position in various bilateral and multilateral forums such as UN, BRICS, NAM, Voice of Global South, etc.
In line with the above stated policy and taking into account the lack of negotiations and overall imbalance of the resolution text, India abstained in the vote on the recent resolution in the UNGA Emergency Special Session on 12.06.2025.