India deeply concerned about situation in Gaza Strip and West Bank, affirms stance on Palestine issue

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. (Source: Hindustan Times)

Earlier, on October 12, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi stated that New Delhi's stance on the Palestinian issue is "longstanding and consistent". According to Mr. Bagchi, "India has always supported the resumption of direct negotiations towards the goal of establishing a sovereign, independent Palestinian State within secure and recognized borders, living peacefully alongside Israel. That stance remains the same."

Also in October, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and expressed condolences over the loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

India recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, being one of the first countries to do so. Despite its good relations with Israel – especially under Prime Minister Modi – there have also been regular high-level visits between New Delhi and Palestine. In October 2015, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian president to visit Palestine, and in February 2018, Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Palestine.

In January 2016, External Affairs Minister Sushmas Swaraj also visited Palestine. In May 2017, Palestinian President Abbas paid his fifth state visit to India; the previous four were in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012.