India has reiterated its firm commitment to the Two-State Solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict during the UN Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East.
Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, stressed that recent diplomatic progress must lead to “practical, long-term political commitments and action on the ground” for the realisation of a Palestinian state. He reaffirmed India’s support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people — including self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty.
Harish underlined that India’s long-standing vision for peace, consistent since its recognition of the State of Palestine in 1988, envisions a sovereign and independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.
He pointed to the High-Level Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held at the UN on September 22, as an important step outlining the path forward.
In his statement, Harish also highlighted India’s tangible support to the Palestinian people. He announced that India’s total assistance now exceeds $170 million, including projects worth around $40 million currently in various stages of implementation. This aid is extended through bilateral human-centric projects and partnerships with the UN and the Palestinian Authority.
Harish further detailed India’s humanitarian contributions, noting that the country has provided nearly 135 metric tons of medicines and essential supplies over the past two years.
He concluded by emphasising that while humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in immediate relief and reconstruction, it must be paired with efforts to build strong economic frameworks, attract investment, and create employment opportunities for long-term stability and social development.
India’s statement comes shortly after the country welcomed the Israel-Hamas agreement on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in the negotiations.