India has reiterated its longstanding support for a “negotiated two-state solution” in Palestine and reaffirmed its consistent support for the Palestinian people.
The reaffirmation came during talks between Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs) Sripriya Ranganathan and Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in Ramallah.
Ranganathan is on an official visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16-21.
During the meeting, Ranganathan “conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
“Amb Sripriya Ranganathan called on Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including their extensive development cooperation initiatives,” the Representative Office of India to the State of Palestine posted on X.
“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,” it added.
India has consistently supported a two-state solution under which Israel and Palestine coexist side by side in peace and security within recognised borders, in accordance with international law.
According to an official statement, both the leaders discussed the full range of India-Palestine relations, with particular focus on the current situation in Palestine, developments in Gaza, humanitarian needs and India’s longstanding development partnership with the Palestinian people,
Ranganathan reaffirmed “India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-State solution,” it said.
She reiterated “India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Ongoing initiatives spanning health, education and capacity-building were also reviewed during the meeting.
Recalling her successful visit to India in January this year, the Palestinian Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for India’s continuing support through development projects, capacity-building programmes, scholarships, humanitarian assistance and contributions to Palestinian institutions and UN agencies.
(With inputs from PTI)
