India abstained from voting on a draft resolution presented by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China at the UN General Assembly. The resolution aimed to address Islamophobia, but India emphasized the need to recognize and combat religiophobia against multiple faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, condemned acts motivated by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia. However, she underscored the importance of acknowledging the broader spectrum of religiophobia beyond Abrahamic religions. This stance highlights India's commitment to religious pluralism and equality.
India expressed concerns about establishing a precedent where specific religious concerns could potentially divide the UN. Kamboj emphasized the importance of maintaining the UN's impartial stance above religious considerations to foster global unity and peace.
While recognizing the significance of addressing Islamophobia, India urged member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination globally. The nation advocated for a more inclusive approach to combat all forms of religiophobia, ensuring equality and inclusion for all faiths.
India highlighted the prevalence of religiophobia against Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, with millions of followers worldwide. Kamboj emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing contemporary forms of religiophobia, including attacks on religious places and spreading hatred against non-Abrahamic religions.
India reiterated its commitment to opposing all forms of religiophobia, including anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh sentiments. The nation stands firm against discrimination and violence targeting individuals based on their religious beliefs.
Prior to adopting the resolution, the General Assembly rejected amendments proposed by Belgium on behalf of the EU. India supported amendments aimed at removing references to specific religious texts and advocating for a more inclusive approach to combat religious discrimination.
The UN resolution comes amidst rising concerns about anti-Muslim hate and bigotry worldwide. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the need to address supremacist ideologies and attacks against various religious and minority communities, emphasizing the destructive impact of hate on societies.
India's rich history as a pluralistic and democratic nation was emphasized, showcasing the country's tradition of providing refuge to persecuted communities from diverse faiths. India's commitment to religious tolerance and coexistence reflects its fundamental values as a nation.
India's abstention from the UN vote underscores its principled stance on religious equality and pluralism. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to combat all forms of religiophobia, India reaffirms its commitment to promoting harmony and inclusivity on the global stage.
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