International Desk: India has once again abstained from voting in a UN General Assembly resolution that condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started a year ago.

The motion was backed by 141 nations with 32 abstaining and seven, including Russia, voting against it.

India reiterated its position on the invasion, saying that peaceful dialogue was the only way out.

Delhi has increasingly faced pressure to take a firm stand on Russia.

Many countries, including the US and Ukraine, have publicly appealed to Delhi to take a clear stand and “do the right thing”.

But India has resisted the pressure and continued with its strategy of not criticising Russia directly. It has abstained from similar resolutions both at the UNGA and at the UNSC in the past.

The two countries have a decades-old trusted relationship since the Cold War. Russia is also India’s largest arms supplier even though its share has dropped in recent years largely due to Delhi’s decision to boost domestic defence manufacturing and a widening imports portfolio.

The two countries also have a history of diplomatic co-operation – Moscow has vetoed UNSC resolutions over the disputed region of Kashmir.