India votes against UNHRC resolution

Resolution condemns Iran crackdown. Delhi votes with Pakistan and China. Tehran thanks India

- Ashwin Ahmad

India on Friday cast a vote in Geneva at a Special Session, convened by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to protest the violence used by the Iranian state against protesters, where New Delhi along with China and Pakistan voted against the resolution.

Despite this, the 47-member body of the UNHRC saw 25 nations vote in favour of the resolution, seven against and 14 abstentions.

Iran's Ambassador to India Mohammed Fathali responded to India’s vote on X stating. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects India’s commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty.”

Experts say that India’s vote against UN resolutions targeting Iran on human rights is a long-held policy by the Indian government. Former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao decoded India’s stance post the vote. Writing on X, she said. “India explained its vote against the Iran resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in familiar terms: the text was selective, politicised, and unlikely to foster constructive engagement.” She added.