External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s enduring support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for a “sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state” coexisting peacefully with Israel.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, Mr. Jaishankar addressed claims that India abstained from all United Nations resolutions on Gaza. He clarified that since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, 13 resolutions related to Palestine were tabled at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Of these, India voted in favor of 10 and abstained from 3.
Highlighting India’s humanitarian contributions, Mr. Jaishankar noted that approximately 70 metric tonnes of aid, including 16.5 metric tonnes of medical supplies, were delivered to Palestine in two tranches. Additionally, $5 million was provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in 2024, mirroring a similar contribution in 2023. Recent shipments in October and November 2024 included 65 tonnes of medical supplies dispatched to UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
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“India’s policy towards Palestine has been long-standing, and we have always supported a negotiated two-State solution, towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel,” Mr. Jaishankar stated.
India has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote peace, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Jaishankar holding discussions with regional and global leaders, including Israeli and Palestinian officials. On September 22, PM Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Summit of the Future in New York, advocating for a ceasefire, hostages’ release, and renewed peace talks. India has also voiced its position in forums like the UN, BRICS, NAM, and the Voice of Global South.
