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New Delhi: India has reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, while expressing concern over the worsening
humanitarian situation in Gaza during talks with Palestinian officials. External Affairs Ministry Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan conveyed India’s position during a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in Palestine on Tuesday. The two sides discussed bilateral ties, the situation in Gaza and India’s development partnership with the Palestinian people. Ranganathan is visiting Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16 to 21.
India Calls For Sustained Humanitarian Support
The Representative Office of India to Palestine said Ranganathan highlighted the “grave humanitarian situation” in Gaza and stressed the need for continued humanitarian assistance.
“India reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-State solution, and underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza through sustained humanitarian assistance and continued dialogue and diplomacy,” the office said in a post on X.
India has long supported a two-state solution that envisages Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely within recognised borders and in accordance with international law.
Gaza, Development Partnership On Agenda
The discussions covered the broader India-Palestine relationship, with a focus on developments in Gaza, humanitarian requirements and India’s ongoing development partnership with the Palestinian people.
Ranganathan also reaffirmed India’s support for the Palestinian people and called for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
The two sides reviewed India-backed initiatives in areas including healthcare, education and capacity building.
Palestinian Minister Thanks India
Shahin, who visited India in January, expressed appreciation for New Delhi’s continued support for the Palestinian people. This includes development projects, capacity-building programmes, scholarships and humanitarian assistance, as well as contributions to Palestinian institutions and UN agencies.
India has continued to maintain its support for Palestinian development and humanitarian assistance while advocating a negotiated political settlement to the conflict.
(With inputs from PTI)
