India Joins China and Pakistan in Opposing UNHRC Motion on Iran, Reiterates Stand Against Country-Specific Resolutions

Delhi: India has once again underlined its long-standing diplomatic approach at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by voting against a resolution critical of Iran during a special session held in Geneva. The resolution, which focused on alleged excesses by Iranian authorities during recent protests, was nevertheless adopted after a majority of member states backed it.

Of the 47 countries represented on the council, 25 voted in favour of the motion, while seven—including India, China, and Pakistan—voted against it. Fourteen nations chose to abstain, reflecting deep divisions within the international community on how to address human rights concerns in Iran.

Following the vote, Iran publicly welcomed India’s decision. Tehran described New Delhi’s stance as principled and rooted in respect for sovereignty, multilateralism, and opposition to what it views as selective and politically driven international actions. The message was seen as an effort to acknowledge India’s consistent position on such matters at global forums.

Diplomatic observers note that India’s vote was in line with its established policy of resisting country-specific resolutions on human rights at the UN. New Delhi has repeatedly argued that such resolutions often single out nations, politicise sensitive issues, and do little to encourage meaningful reform on the ground. Instead, India has emphasised dialogue, engagement, and domestic mechanisms as more effective tools for addressing human rights concerns.

This approach has been visible in previous UN votes as well, including similar resolutions on Iran in recent years. Indian officials have maintained that public censure at international platforms can harden positions and reduce the scope for cooperation, rather than improving conditions for affected populations.

However, India’s support for Iran has not been uniform across all international issues. On matters related to Iran’s nuclear programme, New Delhi has adopted a more cautious and, at times, divergent stance. In earlier years, India voted in favour of findings that raised concerns over Iran’s compliance with international nuclear safeguards, a move widely interpreted as part of India’s broader effort to project itself as a responsible nuclear power on the global stage.

In later years, India has chosen to abstain on resolutions related to Iran’s nuclear activities, signalling a nuanced position that balances Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development with global non-proliferation concerns.