India Reaffirms Support for Negotiated Two-State Solution During Palestine Visit

India on Tuesday reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution and reaffirmed its consistent backing for the Palestinian people during an official visit by External Affairs Ministry Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan. Ranganathan, who is touring Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16 to 21, met Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin in Ramallah and conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, conveyed India’s position during a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.Photo | X | The New Indian Express

Discussions on Bilateral Ties and Humanitarian Concerns

The two sides reviewed the full range of India-Palestine relations, with particular attention to the current situation in Palestine, developments in Gaza, humanitarian needs and India’s extensive development partnership. India underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis through sustained assistance and continued dialogue and diplomacy. Ranganathan reaffirmed support for efforts directed at peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue. 

The Palestinian foreign minister expressed appreciation for India’s ongoing assistance, including development projects, capacity-building programmes, scholarships, humanitarian support and contributions to Palestinian institutions and United Nations agencies. She recalled her visit to India earlier this year and noted progress on initiatives such as the Government of India-funded Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy and its cooperation with the Sushma Swaraj Foreign Service Institute.

Meetings with Senior Palestinian Leadership

During the same visit, Ranganathan called on Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. Discussions centred on further strengthening the longstanding partnership and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. She also met the Diplomatic Adviser to President Mahmoud Abbas, Majdi Al-Khaldi, to review political engagement and development cooperation. Talks with Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan focused on expanding India’s support to the Palestinian health sector. This support includes the supply of essential medicines and anti-cancer drugs, an Artificial Limb Fitment Camp, and the deployment of an Indian field hospital in Gaza. New initiatives in health, education and skills development were also discussed.

India’s Established Position and Regional Context

India has consistently advocated a two-state solution under which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security within recognised borders, in accordance with international law. Officials stressed the need for the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Palestinian representatives have expressed support for India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term and have highlighted New Delhi’s potential contribution to peace efforts, given its relations with both sides of the conflict.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s latest engagement with Palestine reflects its continued commitment to humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and a negotiated two-state solution. During Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan’s visit to Ramallah, India highlighted the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza while stressing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and a lasting political settlement. The discussions also covered India’s ongoing support in healthcare, education, skills development, scholarships and institution-building, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two sides.

India’s approach combines humanitarian support with diplomatic engagement, maintaining its established position that Israel and Palestine should coexist peacefully and securely within recognised borders. Its assistance to Palestine, including medicines, anti-cancer drugs, healthcare initiatives and development programmes, demonstrates a continued focus on addressing immediate needs while supporting long-term capacity building. At the same time, New Delhi’s engagement with Palestinian leadership underscores its broader role in encouraging dialogue and stability in the region while maintaining constructive relations with all parties involved.

(Sources: India Today, NDTV, The New Indian Express)