Brussels: India has reaffirmed its continued support for a two-state solution and Palestine's membership of the United Nations (UN) during the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) held in Brussels.
Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India at the meeting, which was jointly organised by the European Commission and the Palestinian Authority on Monday (local time). The meeting was attended by European Union member states, Palestine, and other key international partners and financial institutions.
According to the MEA, Ranganathan emphasised that India has been a long-standing partner of the Palestinian people and reaffirmed the country's unwavering support for a two-state solution, as well as Palestine's membership of the UN.
She highlighted India's ongoing developmental assistance to Palestine, including capacity-building programmes and humanitarian aid, noting that Indian projects are demand-driven and primarily focused on healthcare, education, capacity building, and vocational training.
Ranganathan also said India is currently implementing major initiatives in Palestine in the areas of healthcare, women's empowerment, and institution building. In addition, she announced several new projects aimed at rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and vocational training.
During her visit to Brussels, the Secretary also attended a meeting hosted by the incoming Chair of the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), where she reiterated India's continued support for the agency and its humanitarian efforts in Palestine.
"India remains a dedicated partner that contributes tangibly towards meeting the humanitarian needs of the people of Palestine," the MEA said.
Last month, Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Abu Shawesh expressed confidence that India remains a strong supporter of the two-state solution.
In an interview with IANS, Abu Shawesh said, "We strongly believe that India stands strong to support the two-state solution. India used to support the Palestinian people when it came to the United Nations resolutions, voting in favour of the resolutions and even on the ground, India is heavily invested in the peace process and has implemented a lot of projects on the ground in Palestine."
He also highlighted an upcoming Indian development project, saying, "One very important issue: we are very close to starting a new project, or India is starting to implement a very important project, which is building a hospital in Palestine, particularly in the West Bank."
With IANS inputs