India Opposes UNHRC Resolution on Iran; Tehran Expresses Gratitude

India’s Stand at UNHRC

On Friday, India voted against a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that sought to intensify monitoring of Iran’s human rights record. The resolution, backed by 25 nations, condemned Iran’s crackdown on peaceful protests that began on December 28, leaving thousands dead and injured. Seven countries, including India, Pakistan, and China, opposed the measure, calling it selective and politically motivated. Fourteen nations abstained.

Resolution Details

• Adoption Vote: 25 in favor, 7 against, 14 abstentions

• Mandates Extended:

  • Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran – 2 years

  • Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran – 1 year

• Focus: Investigation into repression of nationwide protests beginning December 28, 2025

• Call to Action: Urged Iran to halt extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and gender-based violence against peaceful demonstrators.

India’s Reasoning

India has consistently opposed country-specific resolutions at the UN, arguing they are selective, politicized, and unlikely to encourage constructive dialogue.

Iran’s Response

Iran welcomed India’s stance.

• Ambassador Mohammad Fathali: Thanked India for its “principled and firm support” against what he termed an unjust resolution, praising India’s commitment to sovereignty and multilateralism.

• Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi: Highlighted centuries-old civilizational ties, noting that Indian texts in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were historically studied in Iran. He emphasized ongoing cooperation, including projects like Chabahar Port.

Human Rights Context

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests in Iran since late December have resulted in at least 4,519 deaths, including children, alongside mass arrests and injuries.