‘We’ve Been Consistent’: Jaishankar Reaffirms India’s Stand on Israel-Palestine Policy

India on Thursday reiterated its long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing its commitment to all initiatives aimed at achieving a “durable and just peace” in the region.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said New Delhi remains committed to strengthening Palestinian institutions and supporting human resource development programmes through its ongoing development cooperation with Palestine.

Speaking after delegation-level talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Jaishankar also praised Egypt’s role in advancing the Gaza peace plan and highlighted President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s efforts in hosting the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit earlier this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated President Sisi’s invitation to the summit, which India attended through Minister of State for External Affairs K.V. Singh. “We sincerely hope that the summit and its understandings will pave the way for a better future. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace in the region,” Jaishankar said.

Reiterating India’s consistent stance, he added: “India has been steadfast in its support for a two-state solution. We remain committed to enhancing capacity building, human resource development, and strengthening Palestinian institutions.”

Abdelatty arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit during which the two sides held the first India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, which Jaishankar described as a “milestone” in bilateral relations.

“Since the elevation of our ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, cooperation across multiple domains has intensified,” he said, noting growth in defence and security cooperation, as well as expanding opportunities in trade, investment, digital public infrastructure, fintech, pharmaceuticals, space, start-ups, and green technologies.

“As befitting two ancient civilizations, cultural and people-to-people exchanges also occupy an important place in our partnership,” Jaishankar added.