India on Tuesday reiterated the need for an early resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
In a statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented his government’s position and said that India will continue to support nation building activities by the Palestinians, and urged for the creation of a Palestinian State that will co-exist ‘peacefully’ with Israel.
“We hope for early realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel,” said the Prime Minister.
Two-state solution
The special day marks Resolution 181 of the United Nations which called for creation of independent Israeli and Palestinian states and was adopted on this day in 1947.
The two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is based on this resolution.
The day is being marked in the backdrop of the ongoing diplomacy to bring the two sides to the negotiation table. “India hopes for early resumption of dialogue between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive negotiated resolution,” Mr. Modi said.
The statement was sent to the United Nations a few days ago through the Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations.
Global push
Mr. Modi’s statement adds India’s support to the global push for a negotiated settlement of the longstanding demand for a Palestinian state next to Israel.
The statement is the first occasion that the Prime Minister has spoken about the need for a viable Palestinian State since his visit to Israel last July.
However, the India-Israel Joint Statement issued during his visit this year did not mention the need to create a Palestinian state but had mentioned the need for ‘mutual recognition’ and ‘security arrangements’ as the basis for a peaceful solution to the issue.
Netanyahu to visit India
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to visit India in January reciprocating Mr. Modi’s visit.
The Prime Minister also expressed India’s long-term commitment to the Palestinian people and said, “India is an active development partner of Palestine, engaged in extending technical and financial assistance to improve the lives of the Palestinian people. We will continue to support the development and nation-building efforts of Palestine.”
Several events and seminars are expected to be held in India to mark the day of solidarity with the Palestinians.
