Ukraine reparations resolution in UNGA 

(14 November 2022)

Explanation of Vote

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Mr. President,

India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. ​ The conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and misery for its people, particularly for the women, children and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighbouring countries. Reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply worrying. 

2.    We have consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived 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 an urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

3.    International principles and jurisprudence vest responsibility on parties to the conflict to ensure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targeted in situations of armed conflicts.

4.    The global order that we all subscribe to, is based on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States. These principles must be upheld, without exception.

5.    Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. The path to peace requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open.

6.    It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. It is thus critical that the voice of the global south be heard, and their legitimate concerns be duly addressed. 

7.    India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict will continue to be people-centric. We are providing both humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to some of our neighbours in the Global South under economic distress, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and of fertilizers – which has been a consequential fall out of the ongoing conflict. 

Mr. President,

8.     We need to objectively consider whether a reparation process through a vote in the General Assembly would contribute to efforts at a resolution of the conflict. Moreover, the legal validity of such a process by a General Assembly resolution remains unclear.  We must therefore not create mechanisms or set precedents, without adequate international legal vetting, that have implications for the future functioning of the UN and the international economic system. We need to avoid steps which preclude or endanger the possibility of dialogue and negotiations and from bringing this protracted conflict to an early end.

Mr. President, 

9.    My Prime Minister has said unequivocally that this is not an era of war. With this firm resolve to strive for a peaceful solution through dialogue and diplomacy, India has decided to abstain on the resolution.

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