India has fulfilled its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with the release of the second tranche of USD 2.5 million. This financial support aims to assist the UN agency in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees.
According to the Representative Office of India to Palestine, over the years, India has contributed a total of USD 40 million to UNRWA’s core programs, including education, healthcare, and relief services. These efforts are intended to support the welfare of Palestinian refugees in the region.
In addition to the financial contributions, India has also provided ongoing humanitarian assistance, including medicines, to help UNRWA fulfill its mission of supporting Palestinian refugees.
India’s commitment to Palestine was further underscored by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who extended his warm felicitations to the government and people of Palestine on their Declaration of Independence Day. Jaishankar expressed India’s continued dedication to its developmental partnership with Palestine and its long-standing friendship with the Palestinian people.
“Warm felicitation to the Government and people of the State of Palestine on their Declaration of Independence Day. We are committed to deepening our developmental partnership and long-standing friendship,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on social media platform X.
In October 2024, India also sent 30 tons of medical supplies, including life-saving and anti-cancer drugs, to Palestine as part of its humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in September 2024, during the Summit of the Future in New York. During the meeting, PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, including continued humanitarian aid.
(With inputs from ANI)