India votes ‘No’ on western resolution against Iran at UN, seen aligned with China and Pakistan

Geneva (The Uttam Hindu): A major and unexpected diplomatic shift was witnessed at the 39th special session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where India openly opposed a western-backed resolution against Iran and voted ‘No’, surprising the United States and European countries. India, which usually maintains a neutral stance on such sensitive country-specific resolutions, took a clear position this time, signalling a visible change in its foreign policy approach.

What was the resolution against Iran?

The vote was held on draft resolution A/HRC/S-39/L.1, which aimed to strongly condemn the “deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Western nations brought the proposal in the context of nationwide protests that began in Iran on 28 December 2025. The US and European bloc pushed for a tougher international stand against Tehran, but several Global South countries rejected the move, calling it a politically driven western agenda.

Voting numbers and India’s clear stand

The voting atmosphere remained tense, clearly dividing the global community. In the final count, 25 countries voted in favour of the resolution, while 14 countries abstained. The most striking aspect was the seven countries that voted against the proposal. India was among these few nations and chose to vote ‘No’ instead of abstaining, breaking from its traditional diplomatic pattern.

Rare alignment: India, China and Pakistan together

The voting created a rare geopolitical moment. Along with India, countries such as China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam and Cuba voted against the resolution. It was an unusual instance where India, China and Pakistan, despite deep bilateral differences, stood on the same side at an international forum in support of Iran. By joining hands with Asian partners like Indonesia and Vietnam, India conveyed that national sovereignty cannot be undermined in the name of human rights.

Western bloc and abstaining nations

Western countries, backed indirectly by the US, made strong efforts to push the resolution through. Among the 25 countries supporting it were France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica. Meanwhile, several major Global South nations preferred to stay neutral. Brazil, South Africa, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia and Bangladesh were among the 14 countries that abstained.

Diplomatic significance of India’s ‘No’ vote

Experts believe India’s move sends a strong message against what it sees as double standards by western nations. Traditionally cautious on country-specific human rights resolutions, India’s direct opposition reflects a more assertive foreign policy. Strategic considerations such as long-standing ties with Iran, energy security, and the importance of projects like the Chabahar Port also play a key role.

Although the resolution was technically adopted due to a majority vote, open opposition from major Asian countries like India, China and Indonesia has weakened its moral impact. Western nations are now viewing India’s stance through the lens of its growing strategic engagement with Iran.