India signs up for 3-day UN meet for peaceful Palestine
NEW DELHI: India is expected to participate in the upcoming UN high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question and the implementation of the two-state solution, amid renewed international efforts to end the war in Gaza.
According to the list of delegates, 123 countries and agencies, including India, have signed up for the three-day meeting beginning Monday. The conference will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, both of which are key strategic partners for India.
India had earlier voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that called for an international summit in June 2025 to discuss the two-state solution. However, the summit had to be postponed due to the Iran-Israel conflict.
US had last month warned countries against participating in the conference, arguing it could undermine ongoing efforts to end the war and secure the release of hostages, according to a diplomatic cable seen and reported by Reuters from Paris and Washington.
According to France, the aim of the conference is to chart a path towards the two-state solution through "concrete measures" proposed by eight working groups.
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These groups have conducted wide-ranging consultations with UN member states and civil society actors. The conference has drawn global attention, especially following French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would recognise Palestine as a state-making it the first G7 country to do so.
The US has condemned France's move and will boycott the conference, along with Israel.
India's permanent representative to the UN, P Harish, acknowledged the conference during a recent Security Council session on the Palestinian question.
"While engaging in a forward-leaning and constructive manner, it is our hope that this conference would pave the way for concrete steps towards achieving a two-state solution," Harish said, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages.
India, which was among 19 countries that abstained from a UNGA vote in June calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, has been in regular contact with the working groups and is expected to offer further inputs during the conference.
The level of India's representation at the conference is still being finalised.
On Gaza issue, India continues to balance its growing strategic partnership with Israel and its long-standing support for Palestinian cause. "India shares historic and strong ties with Palestinian brothers and sisters. We've stood by them and our commitment towards Palestinian cause is unwavering," Harish said. MEA also reiterated in Parliament on Friday that India remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution, leading to a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living in peace with Israel within secure and recognised borders.
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