Why in news?
Data released in mid‑2025 revealed that India abstained in 44% of United Nations votes this year—the highest share in its UN history—while the proportion of ‘yes’ votes fell to 56%. This pattern of abstention has prompted debate about India’s evolving multilateral strategy.
Understanding abstention
In UN parlance, to abstain means neither to support nor oppose a resolution. Countries use abstention to avoid taking sides on contentious issues while preserving channels of engagement with all parties.
Trends in India’s voting behaviour
- 1946‑1969 (post‑independence volatility): India’s ‘yes’ votes fluctuated between 20% and 100%, with abstentions occasionally reaching 40%, reflecting an evolving foreign policy.
- 1970‑1994 (stabilisation): ‘Yes’ votes stabilised between 74% and 96%, while abstentions fell to 8‑19%, signalling a more consistent non‑aligned stance.
- 1995‑2019 (stable multilateralism): India typically supported around 75‑83% of resolutions; abstentions ranged from 10% to 17%.
- 2020‑2025 (current shift): ‘Yes’ votes have dipped to 56%, and abstentions have climbed to record levels, indicating a recalibration of diplomatic positioning.
Implications of rising abstentions
- Polarised world order: As global politics becomes increasingly divided, India often chooses neutrality to avoid aligning with rival power blocs.
- Strategic autonomy: Abstention allows India to maintain flexibility and protect its interests without alienating partners on contentious issues.
- Complex resolutions: Modern UN resolutions frequently bundle disparate issues, making it difficult to vote entirely ‘yes’ or ‘no’ without compromising on certain aspects.
- Middle‑power positioning: As a rising power seeking global influence, India uses abstention to project a nuanced, balanced approach.
Relevance for UPSC preparation
- GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Examines India’s role in global institutions and the impact of international policies on national interests.
- Essay and Ethics papers: Abstention raises questions about neutrality, moral responsibility and balancing strategic interests with global justice.
India’s increasing use of abstention reflects a careful balancing act in a divided world. Understanding the reasons behind this strategy helps explain its foreign policy choices.
