Reaffirming its longstanding position, India reiterated support at the UN for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, calling for genuine and result-oriented diplomacy during a high-level United Nations conference held in New York. Representing India, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish made a strong pitch for dialogue, immediate humanitarian relief, and a long-term commitment to peace between Israel and Palestine, reported The Hindu.
India Urges “Action Beyond Rhetoric”
Speaking at the UN International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, Harish emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic declarations and press for concrete political action. He said, “This is the time for purposeful diplomacy. We need more than just agreements on paper – we need sustained, practical engagement.”
India’s call stood out for its clarity: a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza must form the foundation of any peace initiative. The message was clear – lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Israel and Palestine, under the umbrella of international support.
A Balanced Yet Firm Stand
India’s position reflects its carefully crafted diplomatic balance. While maintaining close strategic and economic ties with Israel, New Delhi has consistently supported the rights of the Palestinian people. At the UN, Harish reiterated India’s support for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel, with borders drawn along the 1967 lines and East Jerusalem as its capital.
This balanced approach has allowed India to retain credibility on both sides, advocating peace without compromising its bilateral relationships.
India Supports International Frameworks
The conference, jointly organised by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, brought together over 120 nations. The outcome was the “New York Declaration”—a document calling for the revival of the peace process and reaffirmation of the two-state formula.
India aligned itself with this international momentum, urging the global community to ensure that the implementation of the two-state solution is not reduced to a diplomatic formality but becomes a structured, time-bound process supported by all stakeholders.
Urgency Fueled by Humanitarian Crisis
India’s message also addressed the deepening humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and over a million displaced since the escalation of hostilities. Harish pointed out that airdrops of relief are insufficient and stressed the importance of large-scale, sustained humanitarian access via land routes, facilitated by international cooperation.
India has consistently contributed to humanitarian efforts, providing medical aid and essential supplies to both Gaza and the West Bank through United Nations channels.
Shift in Global Sentiment
India’s remarks came at a time when several Western countries, including France and the United Kingdom, are reconsidering the timeline for recognizing a Palestinian state. The growing sentiment across the Global South and parts of the West is that status quo diplomacy has failed, and a more assertive, inclusive peace process is now essential.
In that context, India’s voice adds significant weight. As a major democracy and an emerging global power, India’s emphasis on peace through negotiation, rather than force, aligns with the broader consensus building at the UN.
India’s Evolving Role on the Global Stage
By participating actively in forums like this, India is not just stating its stance – it is shaping the diplomatic conversation around one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history. India’s careful use of moral authority, diplomatic tact, and humanitarian concern positions it as a credible mediator and voice of reason.
India’s support for the two-state solution is not new, but in the current global context, its repetition carries a renewed urgency. As the Gaza war stretches on, the risk of regional spillover grows. India’s call for a just, negotiated settlement is in line with its broader vision of a rules-based international order grounded in fairness and peaceful coexistence.
Photo Credit: The Hindu
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