India Reaffirms Support for Two-State Solution in Israel–Palestine Conflict
India continues to champion a two-state solution for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for a sovereign and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.
During a parliamentary session, India’s External Affairs Minister explained that, while recognizing a nation’s right to defend itself, India urges a balance between action against terrorism and protection of civilian life.
The minister reiterated the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. "(We) condemn terrorism, we condemn hostage-taking," the minister stated.
"Weare in favor of a ceasefire and a lasting end to the violence. However," the minister explaining India’s stance emphasized the need for observation of humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives.
India recently abstained from a vote on a United Nations resolution regarding protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian duties during times of conflict. "We felt that the resolution was not well-drafted and not well-considered," the minister clarified.
“We had reservations on the language, our concerns were not incorporated,
So, we abstained.”
The minister underscored visibly absent aspects in the draft, such as the lack of mention of terrorism and hostage situations and went on to say
India, itself a victim of terrorism, cannot support any resolution that downplays or ignores this global issue “If we countenance the fact that
that
we are public and unambiguous about that. There is no room for confusion regarding the two-state solution.
India continues to stand by its commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Palestine.India’s commitment to
to Palestine," reaffirming India’s dedication to humanitarian assistance for Palestine. Lack
The Government has recently released a fresh tranche
of aid for Palestine, demonstrating India’s continued for
of support to address the ongoing humanitarian those pathways
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– How does Dr. Singh believe India’s historical relationship with Palestine influences its current stance on the two-state solution?
## India Reaffirms Support for Two-State Solution: An Interview with Dr. Kumar Singh
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Joining us today is Dr. Kumar Singh, a leading expert on South Asian foreign policy, to discuss India’s recent reaffirmation of its support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Dr. Singh, thanks for being with us.
**Dr. Singh:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** India’s External Affairs Minister recently emphasized India’s commitment to a two-state solution during a parliamentary session. Can you elaborate on the significance of this reiteration?
**Dr. Singh:** Indeed. While India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution, this recent statement is particularly important given the current geopolitical climate. It reinforces India’s long-standing commitment to a peaceful resolution based on the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. This position aligns with the broader international consensus and reflects India’s belief in the importance of dialog and diplomacy in finding a lasting solution. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India–Palestine_relations)]
**Host:** Interestingly, India was one of the first non-Arab countries to recognize the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people. How does this historical context inform India’s current stance?
**Dr. Singh:** Absolutely. India’s early recognition of the PLO in 1975 and the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1980 demonstrate the depth and longevity of its commitment to the Palestinian cause. This historical bond, built on principles of self-determination and justice, continues to shape India’s approach to the conflict.
**Host:** What are some of the challenges India faces in promoting this solution, particularly given the complexities of the situation?
**Dr. Singh:** India’s approach is based on balancing its historically strong ties with Palestine with its evolving relationship with Israel.
India has to navigate a delicate path, advocating for a peaceful resolution while maintaining strong ties with both parties. There are also concerns about internal Israeli political divisions and the ongoing expansion of settlements, both of which complicate the path towards a two-state solution.
**Host:** Thank you for providing such insightful analysis, Dr. Singh. This certainly sheds light on India’s active role in seeking a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.