India abstains from Libya no-flying vote

Despite a last-minute bid by the US department of state to persuade the ministry of external affairs (MEA) to vote in favour of a no-fly zone over Libya, India, along with allies Russia, China and Brazil (Bric nations), abstained from voting.

India said Bric countries felt it was premature to take a decision on a no-fly zone when reports from the ground were yet to be collated.

It felt the UN should have  tried for a ceasefire and made efforts to bring violence under control before taking such a decision. Also, MEA is concerned about Indian civilians who have stayed back in Libya. The ministry also said India never supports use of disproportionate force and feels the cost of monitoring the no-fly zone will have to be incurred by member-countries.

UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Thursday night approving the no-fly zone, even as it called for a ceasefire in Libya. Ten of its 15 members voted in favour of the resolution. China, Russia and non-permanent members — India, Germany and Brazil — stayed away.