India abstains from UNGA resolution directing Russia for safe return of Ukrainian children

India chose to abstain from a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution urging Russia to guarantee the immediate, safe and unconditional return of Ukrainian children allegedly taken or forcibly transferred since the start of the war.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution titled Return of Ukrainian children on Wednesday, securing 91 votes in favour, 12 against, and 57 abstentions.

India figured on the list of abstaining nations along with several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. New Delhi did not deliver an explanation of its stance during the 11th Emergency Special Session.

The resolution expressed deep concern over the conflict’s impact on children, pointing to Ukrainian minors who have been separated from their families since 2014. It referenced children moved within Russian-controlled Ukrainian regions as well as those taken into Russia.

The text called on Moscow to “ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return” of all Ukrainian children who were allegedly deported or forcibly transferred, and urged Russia to stop any further removals, separations or alterations to their legal status, including through adoption, foster care or citizenship changes.

Member states emphasised that any investigation into forced transfers must be followed by accountability consistent with international law. The resolution also criticised legislative and administrative steps Russia has taken since 2022 to expedite the citizenship process for Ukrainian children, especially those who are orphans or lack parental care.

Introducing the resolution, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said that as of October 2025, authorities had identified 6,395 children who had been deported or forcibly taken, while more than 20,000 cases remained under investigation. “Every one of these cases is a tragedy for a family, a community and for Ukraine,” she told the Assembly.