What is the significance of the Indian government abstaining from the Russia vote in the UN General Assembly too?

India has been consistent in her stand on the Russia issue. The perception has been that it is too early to close down diplomatic channels and perhaps the West was too keen to impose the sanctions before exploring all diplomatic options. Hence, after abstaining from the UN Security Council resolution against Russia, India also abstained from the UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution; deploring Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

It is interesting that many smaller countries have also voted for the resolution. Some of the countries voting for UNGA resolution included Afghanistan, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Kuwait, Singapore, Turkey etc. The resolution required a two-third majority and was passed by 141/161. In all, there were a total of 15 abstentions, including India while 5 voted against the UNGA resolution. UNSC resolution had failed as Russia exercised its veto power.