India reiterates support for two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict

India on Tuesday reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, saying its position remained consistent amid continuing tensions and violence in West Asia.

“We stand for a two-state solution,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while responding to questions on the conflict. He reiterated India’s support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace within secure and recognised borders.

Position unchanged

The MEA’s remarks came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to underline India’s support for the two-state formula.

Jaishankar told the UNGA on September 26 that tensions and violence continued in West Asia and said New Delhi believed durable and lasting peace required a two-state solution. He also said India was continuing humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for Palestinians.

India has maintained that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should ultimately be resolved through direct negotiations, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. New Delhi has simultaneously maintained relations with Israel and continued political and humanitarian support for Palestinians.

Palestinian state

India’s stated diplomatic position supports a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security. New Delhi has repeatedly backed a negotiated settlement while calling for restraint and protection of civilians during periods of conflict.

India’s position was also reflected in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration adopted earlier this month. The declaration backed a two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state within internationally recognised 1967 borders, including the Gaza Strip and West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Humanitarian assistance

Alongside its diplomatic position, India has continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians. Jaishankar highlighted those efforts at the UN, saying New Delhi was contributing to humanitarian and relief operations for the Palestinian people as the conflict continued.

The Palestine Mission to the United Nations subsequently highlighted Jaishankar’s remarks, drawing attention to India’s statement that lasting peace in the region required a two-state solution.

Diplomatic engagement

India has continued engaging with countries in West Asia as efforts to contain the conflict and find a diplomatic pathway continue. Its position has sought to combine support for Palestinian statehood with calls for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The latest MEA statement reinforces that position at a time when the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a central issue in international diplomacy and discussions at the United Nations.