US shuns 'ill-timed' UN conference for 2-state solution, conveys concerns to India
The United States has conveyed its reservations to India about the ongoing UN 2-state conference that it sees as counterproductive to efforts to end the war in Gaza and ensure release of hostages.
India is among the 120-odd countries and agencies participating in the conference that has been boycotted by both US and Israel.
The US had urged foreign governments to not participate in the conference, as reported by Reuters last month on the basis of a US diplomatic cable seen by the agency. Asked if there had been any contact with India too about the conference, a US embassy spokesperson told TOI that Washington has shared its views with India.
'The United States will not participate in this unproductive and ill-timed conference on the two-state solution in New York City. The United States will continue to lead real-world efforts to end the fighting and deliver a permanent peace. We have shared our views on the conference with the Government of India,' said the spokesperson.
As the conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia kicked off Monday, the State Department slammed the meeting calling it
unproductive, ill-timed and also a publicity stunt that comes in the middle of delicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
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'Far from promoting peace, the conference will prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace,' said spokesperson Tammy Bruce, adding that the US will not participate in this insult but will continue to lead real-world efforts for peace.
Bruce mentioned said that French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of recognition for a Palestinian state, which preceded the conference, was welcomed by Hamas.
'This reflects a pattern of counterproductive gestures that only emboldens Hamas, encourages its obstruction of a ceasefire, and greatly undercuts our diplomatic efforts to end the suffering in Gaza, free the hostages, and move the whole Middle East towards a brighter and more prosperous future,' said Bruce.
India is participating in the conference, seeking a constructive and forward-leaning engagement and hoping it would pave the way for concrete steps towards achieving a 2-State solution
India had also voted in favour of a UNGA resolution last year that announced an international summit in June 2025 to discuss the 2-state solution.
However, the conference couldn't take place last month because of the Iran-Iraq conflict.
According to France, the conference aims to chart a path towards the 2-state solution through 'concrete measures' proposed by the 8 working groups, which have conducted extensive consultations with UN member-states and civil society. The conference is drawing attention also for the announcement Macron last week that France will recognise the Palestinian state, becoming the first G7 country to do so.
Indian ambassador to the UN, P Harish, had in a statement last week in the Security Council strongly called for a ceasefire to be put in place and sought release of all hostages.
India, which was among the 19 countries that abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution in June for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, has been in touch with the 8 working groups and is expected to further provide its inputs on the 2-state solution during the conference.
On the Gaza issue, India has continued to walk a tightrope between its vital and growing ties with Israel and the traditional support for the Palestinian cause, including the 2-state solution. While the government strongly defends Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas terrorist attacks, it also expects Israel to follow international law and not target civilians. 'India shares historic and strong ties with our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
We have always stood by them and our commitment towards the Palestinian cause is unwavering,' said Harish in his remarks in the Council.
The ministry of external affairs also reiterated the Indian position in Parliament on Friday that India has always supported a negotiated 2-state solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
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