India Abstains From UNGA Resolution On Afghanistan; Stresses Prevention Of Terrorist Exploitation

India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan on 8 July and strongly urged the international community to prevent terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), along with their regional sponsors, from using Afghan territory for violent purposes.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P Harish, explained the decision, saying, “Entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, including Al Qaeda, ISIL, LeT, JeM and their regional sponsors, must be stopped from exploiting Afghan soil.”

Harish emphasised that international policy must not rely solely on punitive measures but instead adopt a nuanced approach involving both incentives and disincentives.

The resolution, which received 116 votes in favour and 12 abstentions, called on the Taliban to halt repressive policies, particularly those affecting women and girls.

The United States and Israel opposed the motion. India abstained, citing concerns about the resolution’s overly narrow focus.

“A business-as-usual strategy without targeted initiatives is unlikely to deliver the outcomes the global community envisions for Afghanistan,” Harish remarked.

He highlighted India’s ongoing diplomatic interactions with Afghanistan, despite not officially recognising the Taliban regime.

Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in May.

India welcomes Afghan government’s stand against terrorism

India praised the Afghan government for strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, carried out by the Resistance Front, a proxy for LeT.

Harish underscored India’s commitment to humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and educational support, as well as capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping the Afghan population.

Germany, the sponsor of the resolution, expressed grave concern over Afghanistan’s human rights situation.

German envoy Antje Leendertse stated, “The Taliban’s edicts have resulted in a near-total erasure of women’s rights.”

Nonetheless, she acknowledged that engaging with the Taliban remains crucial and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to the UN-led Doha Process aimed at fostering constructive dialogue.

The United States, meanwhile, opposed the resolution, arguing that current strategies are unsustainable.

Diplomat Jonathan Shrier criticised ongoing support for the Taliban in the absence of meaningful reform, stating, “We cannot continue propping up the Taliban while demanding compliance with international obligations.”

India’s balanced stance reflects its broader foreign policy priorities — preventing terrorism, supporting the Afghan people, and advocating for pragmatic, long-term engagement with Afghanistan.

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