External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance supporting a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict during his address in Parliament. He emphasized the need for a “sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state” to coexist peacefully with Israel, reaffirming India’s balanced and longstanding position.
Addressing concerns about India’s stance in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jaishankar clarified that since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, 13 resolutions on Palestine were tabled in the UNGA. India voted in favor of 10 and abstained from three.
Humanitarian Assistance
India has been proactive in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians amidst the crisis.
Contributions include 70 metric tonnes of aid, with 16.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies delivered in two shipments and $5 million allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in 2024, matching India’s contribution from the previous year.
Recent aid deliveries in October and November 2024 included essential medical supplies to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and UNRWA.
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Diplomatic Engagements for Peace
India has actively engaged with global leaders to encourage peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar have held high-level discussions with Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as other regional and global leaders.
In September 2024, PM Modi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York during the Summit of the Future. The discussions focused on calls for:
- A ceasefire.
- The release of hostages.
- Resumption of diplomatic negotiations.
India has highlighted its position in forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Voice of Global South, emphasizing peace, stability, and humanitarian priorities in the region.
