What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

They might ask which countries abstained, and confuse students by including other P5 members like France or the UK as options instead of China and Russia. Another trap is mixing up the GCC member states.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 135 nations co-sponsored the resolution; UNSC vote was 13-0-2 (abstentions). 2. Target this Nodal Body: United Nations Security Council (UNSC). 3. Target this Legal Point: Resolution demands cessation of attacks under International Law and International Humanitarian Law.

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India Co-Sponsors UNSC Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks on GCC Countries and Jordan

Q: Which of the following is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with veto power, as mentioned in the context of the resolution vote?

China, The article explicitly states that China and Russia, both permanent members (P5) of the UNSC with veto power, abstained from voting on the resolution. India is a non-permanent member, while Germany and Japan are not permanent members.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC resolution mentioned in the news: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor and none against. 2. The resolution specifically condemned Iran's threats to close the Strait of Malacca. 3. India was among the 135 countries that co-sponsored the Bahrain-led resolution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'adopted... with 13 votes in favour, none against'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the resolution condemned threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 3 is correct: 'India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with 135 countries'.

Q: How many countries co-sponsored the UNSC resolution condemning Iran's attacks, as mentioned in the article?

135 countries, The article clearly states: 'India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with 135 countries'. The other options are distractors: 193 is the total number of UN member states, while 125 and 150 are close but incorrect figures.

Q: What was a primary objective of the UNSC resolution as described in the article?

To demand the immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against GCC countries and Jordan., The article explicitly states the resolution 'demanded the immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran'. While the resolution condemns threats and supports navigational rights, its core demand is for Iran to stop its attacks, not to impose sanctions, authorize force, or refer to the ICJ.

Intl. Relations Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

12 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:135 co-sponsoring nationsUNSC vote 13-0-2

Bodies:UNSCGCC

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.India co-sponsored a UNSC resolution condemning Iran's attacks on GCC countries and Jordan, demanding an immediate cessation.

2.The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while permanent members China and Russia abstained.

3.The development is crucial for IR aspirants as it tests India's evolving foreign policy, UNSC dynamics, and key global chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India aligned with 135 countries to co-sponsor a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran's attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan. The resolution demands an immediate cessation of hostilities and condemns threats to maritime security, notably the Strait of Hormuz.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Co-sponsoring Nations135 countries

UNSC Vote Tally13 in favor, 0 against

Abstaining Permanent MembersChina and Russia

Resolution Led ByBahrain

Key Maritime ChokepointStrait of Hormuz

1-Minute Revision

›Co-sponsoring Nations: 135 countries
›UNSC Vote Tally: 13 in favor, 0 against
›Target this Data: 135 nations co-sponsored the resolution; UNSC vote was 13-0-2 (abstentions).
›Target this Nodal Body: United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
›Target this Legal Point: Resolution demands cessation of attacks under International Law and International Humanitarian Law.

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News Snapshot

🌐

India's Diplomatic Stance

India aligned with 135 nations to co-sponsor a UNSC resolution condemning Iran's attacks on GCC states and Jordan.

⚖️

UNSC Vote Dynamics

The resolution passed with 13 votes; veto-wielding permanent members China and Russia abstained.

🚢

Maritime Security Focus

The resolution condemned threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Tensions in West Asia involving Iran and its neighbors have been persistent. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has often been at odds with Iran over regional influence and security. India maintains significant economic and strategic ties with both Gulf nations (energy imports, diaspora) and Iran (Chabahar Port). This resolution forced a delicate diplomatic choice.

Core Analysis & Implications

India's co-sponsorship signals a clear alignment with the international consensus against unilateral military actions violating territorial integrity. It reflects a prioritization of its strategic ties with GCC countries and a commitment to principles of sovereignty and international law. The abstention by China and Russia highlights the geopolitical divide within the UNSC P5, with these nations often acting as a counterbalance to Western-led initiatives. The focus on the Strait of Hormuz underscores the global economic stakes in regional stability, as a significant portion of the world's oil passes through this chokepoint.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

This vote could strain India-Iran relations, potentially impacting projects like Chabahar. It will test India's ability to maintain a balanced West Asia policy. Future exam questions may probe India's 'multi-alignment' strategy, the role of the UNSC in conflict resolution, and the geopolitical importance of maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

Key Facts at a Glance

Co-sponsoring Nations135 countries

UNSC Vote Tally13 in favor, 0 against

Abstaining Permanent MembersChina and Russia

Resolution Led ByBahrain

Key Maritime ChokepointStrait of Hormuz

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which of the following is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with veto power, as mentioned in the context of the resolution vote?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC resolution mentioned in the news:

1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor and none against.

2. The resolution specifically condemned Iran's threats to close the Strait of Malacca.

3. India was among the 135 countries that co-sponsored the Bahrain-led resolution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

How many countries co-sponsored the UNSC resolution condemning Iran's attacks, as mentioned in the article?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What was a primary objective of the UNSC resolution as described in the article?

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India Co-Sponsors UNSC Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks on GCC Countries and Jordan

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

India's Diplomatic Stance

UNSC Vote Dynamics

Maritime Security Focus

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance