Besides, sources said, contrary to perception that New Delhi voted in favour of a regime change in Syria, an “explicit reference” to stepping down of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was dropped after India, among others, raised objection. In fact, India ensured that several stringent clauses in the resolution were diluted.

Unlike the vote on Libya, the resolution on Syria did not make any references to states taking “any necessary measures” to act against the country unless it adhered. “In case Syria did not act in 21 days, all the UNSC was to do was to meet again to consider action,” sources said of the resolution that was later vetoed.

India’s insistence on a Syrian-led reconciliation process led to the reference to “automatic measures” in case of non-compliance being specifically dropped.