India abstains from voting on UNHRC resolution to vote against Israel

India was among 14 countries that abstained from voting on a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council to launch an investigation into alleged violations and crimes during the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

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About United Nations Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.

The Council investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in United Nations member states, and addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.

The Council consists of 47 members, elected yearly by the General Assembly for staggered three-year terms.

Members are selected via the basis of equitable geographic rotation using the United Nations regional grouping system.

Members are eligible for re-election for one additional term, after which they must relinquish their seat.

The headquarters of the United Nations Human Rights Council is in Geneva, Switzerland.

About the India-Israel Relation

On 17 September 1950, India officially recognised the State of Israel.

After decades of non-aligned and pro-Arab policy, India formally established relations with Israel when it opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in January 1992.

The two countries have an extensive economic, military, and strategic relationship.

Israel is represented through an embassy in New Delhi, and one consulate each in Mumbai and Bengaluru. India is represented through its embassy in Tel Aviv.

Relations further expanded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, with India abstaining from voting against Israel in the United Nations in several resolutions.