Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India co-sponsored a resolution in UN Security Council that condemned the “egregious” attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan and demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran while denouncing its threats of closure of the Strait of Hormuz.The 15-nation Security Council, currently under the presidency of the US, adopted the resolution on Wednesday with 13 votes in favour, none against and abstentions by veto-wielding permanent members China and Russia.Ministry of external affairs said India had co-sponsored the GCC-led resolution at the Security Council as it reflected its position on the issue. “We have 135 countries who have co-sponsored this particular resolution. The resolution reflects several of our positions… we have a large diaspora in GCC countries and their well-being and welfare is of utmost importance,” spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding the Gulf is also very important for India’s energy security needs.Without naming Iran, PM Narendra Modi had earlier condemned attacks on all GCC countries.India co-sponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with over 130 nations, including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Yemen, and Zambia. The resolution, which had a total of 135 co-sponsors, reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.It condemned in the “strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran against the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan and determined that such acts constituted a breach of international law and were a serious threat to international peace and security.The resolution demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against GCC countries and Jordan and that Tehran “immediately and unconditionally” cease from any provocation or threats to neighbouring states, including the use of proxies.
