In one of the strongest implied criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India has called it “an affront to common security”. In keeping with India’s delicate balancing act, without naming Russia Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj told the Security Council on Monday, “Any coercive or unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo by force is an affront to common security”. 

“Further", she said, "common security is only possible when countries respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as they would expect their own sovereignty to be respected”. 

Kamboj laid out the pillars of common security of nations.

“The underlying principles behind ‘common security’ lies in upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by international law, premised upon respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States, resolution of international disputes through peaceful negotiations and free and open access for all to the global commons”, she said.

India has previously abstained on Council and General Assembly resolutions criticising Russia and has avoided naming it in statements applicable to the Ukrainian context.

Kamboj’s criticism at the Council meeting on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Promoting Common Security Through Dialogue and Cooperation” while focused on Russia in the current context would also apply to two of India’s neighbours China, which is trying to change borders through military force, and Pakistan that has taken to cross border terrorism.

In points aimed at Islamabad and Beijing, Kamboj said, “Common security is also only feasible when all countries stand together against common threats such as terrorism and do not engage in double standards while preaching otherwise”. India has accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorists and backing terrorist organisations, a charge also repeated by Kabul.  

China, meanwhile, offers cover for international terrorists at the Council, most recently blocking sanctions against Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Deputy Chief Abdul Rauf Azhar last week.

Kamboj said, “Common security is also possible only if countries respect agreements signed with others, bilateral or multilateral, and do not take unilateral measures to nullify those very arrangements to those they were party to”.

(SAM)