Jerusalem: India on Tuesday reiterated its longstanding support for a “negotiated two-state solution” in Palestine and reaffirmed the country’s consistent support for the Palestinian people, Sripriya Ranganathan, a secretary at the External Affairs Ministry, said.
Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs)is on an official visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16-21.
Ranganathan on Tuesday called on Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine and also “conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
“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 Representative Office of India to Palestine said in a post on X.
Shahin said on X that the talks focused on “strengthening Palestine–India ties” as well as India’s “steadfast support for Palestinian statehood and two-state solution”.
The Palestinian foreign minister said the discussions also covered Gaza and the West Bank, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and calls for stronger international action.
India has consistently backed the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security, within recognised borders and in accordance with international law.
Ranganathan also reiterated India’s “consistent support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-State solution”, according to the official statement.
She further conveyed New Delhi’s support for efforts aimed at securing peace and stability and achieving a lasting political settlement through “dialogue and diplomacy”.
The meeting also reviewed India’s development initiatives in Palestine, including programmes in healthcare, education and capacity building.
Shahin, who visited India in January, appreciated New Delhi’s continuing assistance to the Palestinian people, including development projects, scholarships, capacity-building programmes and humanitarian support.
India has also contributed to Palestinian institutions and UN agencies as part of its long-standing engagement with Palestine.
The talks took place as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a major international concern, with the conflict continuing to drive demands for increased aid and a political resolution.
Ranganathan’s regional visit, which runs through August 21, also includes stops in Egypt and Lebanon as India continues its diplomatic engagement with countries affected by the wider West Asia crisis.
