On 21 December, India along with China and Russia abstained in the United Nations Security Council on a draft resolution that demanded an immediate end to violence in Myanmar and urged the military junta to release political prisoners, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Security Council adopted the resolution after 12 members voted in favour, none against, and India, China and Russia abstained.
The resolution reaffirmed its support for the people of Myanmar and its strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and unity of the country. It demanded an immediate end to all forms of violence throughout the country and urged restraint and de-escalation of tensions.
The resolution also asked the Myanmar military to immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Suu Kyi.
During the meeting, India outlined the reasons for abstaining and stated that the complex situation in Myanmar calls for an approach of quiet and patient diplomacy.
“As such any instability in the country impacts us directly. Resolving the current crisis and maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in Myanmar is therefore of direct interest to our national security. The welfare of the people of Myanmar remains our utmost priority and is at the core of all our efforts,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said.
The consequences of instability will affect the neighbouring countries the most and it is, therefore, essential to consider their views and perspectives seriously, Kamboj added.
“In view of these concerns and our firm commitment to the democratic process and the well-being of the people of Myanmar, India decided to abstain on this resolution,” Kamboj said.
“It is therefore important to carefully weigh actions by this Council. Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the desirable recourse to seeking constructive and enduring solutions in Myanmar,” she said.
This is the first Security Council resolution adopted on Myanmar in 74 years. The only other UNSC resolution on Myanmar was in 1948 after the country formerly known as Burma got independence from Britain and was given membership in the United Nations.
