Brief Context
Context India has voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that endorses the ‘New York Declaration’ on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and implementation of the two-state solution. About The resolution was introduced by France and was adopted with an overwhelming 142 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions. Those voting against included Argentina, Hungary, Israel and the United States.
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Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- India has voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that endorses the ‘New York Declaration’ on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and implementation of the two-state solution.
About
- The resolution was introduced by France and was adopted with an overwhelming 142 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions.
- Those voting against included Argentina, Hungary, Israel and the United States.
- In the declaration, the leaders agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The resolution is based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution, and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and all peoples of the region.
- It called on the Israeli leadership to issue a clear public commitment to the two-state solution, including a sovereign, and viable Palestinian State.
India’s Stand on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974.
- In 1988, India was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine.
- India consistently voted in favour of Palestinian resolutions at the UN.
- Support for Palestinian Statehood:
- India supports a two-state solution – peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine within secure and recognized borders.
- Advocates East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine (based on UN resolutions).
- Strongly supports Palestine’s membership in international organizations (e.g., UNESCO, UNGA observer state status in 2012).
- High Level Visits: Prime Minister Modi paid a historic visit to Palestine in 2018, the first for an Indian Prime Minister.
- Prior to that, former President Pranab Mukherjee visited Palestine in 2015, marking the first visit by an Indian President to Palestine.
- Development Assistance: India has provided various forms of developmental cooperation assistance to Palestine over the years amounting to approximately US$ 141 million.
- India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund has also funded four projects in Palestine worth US$ 5 mn.
- At the UN, India stresses:
- Rejection of violence and terrorism from both sides.
- Need for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Support for diplomatic and peaceful settlement.
- India’s position reflects a delicate balance: Even when India’s relationship with Israel flourished in the past three decades, it has maintained a careful balance between its new partnership and historical commitment towards Palestine.
- India has a strategic partnership with Israel in defence, agriculture, and innovation.
- India frames its stance as “principled support for Palestine, pragmatic partnership with Israel.”
Conclusion
- India supports Palestine’s right to statehood and a two-state solution, while simultaneously strengthening strategic relations with Israel.
- Its position is shaped by realism, balancing West Asian interests, and commitment to international law.
Source: AIR