New Delhi (TIP)- India abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution condemning Russia’s referendums and the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, saying its decision was “consistent with its well-thought-out national position.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said India had consistently advocated that no solution could be reached at the cost of human lives. “Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest. We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,’’ she said. The resolution — Territorial integrity of Ukraine: Defending the principles of the Charter of the UN — was adopted with 143 nations voting in favour, four against and 35, including India, abstaining.

“The path to peace requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open. We, therefore, sincerely hope for an early resumption of peace talks to bring about an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Kamboj. “There are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution voted today. Our decision to abstain is consistent with our well-thought-out national position,’’ she added. India also expressed its concern over the developing world being forced to bear substantial collateral damage.

“As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertiliser supplies, it is critical that the voice of the global South be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed. We must not initiate measures that further complicate a struggling global economy,’’ the Indian PR stressed.

Last month, India had abstained from a draft United Nations Security Council resolution to condemn Russia’s referendums and annexation of four Ukrainian territories as invalid. No member of the BRICS bloc voted along with the West.

India slams Pakistan after it raises Kashmir issue

India dismissed as “frivolous and pointless” Pakistan’s attempts to raise the Kashmir issue during the emergency debate on the Ukraine issue at the UN General Assembly. Speaking after the UNGA had voted on the issue, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Munir Akram said he looked forward to a “similar concern and condemnation on attempts by India to formalise’’ the annexation of Kashmir. Pakistan, he said, had abstained on the resolution because it “endorses the basic principle reflected in the draft resolution that referendums cannot apply to regions which are part of a sovereign state and in an environment which is not free.’’

India’s PR Ruchira Kamboj replied by saying that statements by “one delegation to misuse this forum and make frivolous and pointless remarks against my country deserve our collective contempt and sympathy for a mindset which repeatedly utters falsehoods. We call on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism so that our citizens can enjoy the right to life and liberty.’’ Pakistan replied with diplomat Gul Kaiser Sarwani commenting on Hindutva, the RSS, cow vigilantism and the state of minorities in India.