NEW DELHI: India is anticipated to take part within the UN high-level convention on peaceable settlement of the Palestine query and implementation of the 2-state answer, amid renewed worldwide efforts to finish the Gaza struggle. In accordance with a listing of delegates, 123 nations and businesses, together with India, have signed up up to now for the 3-day assembly starting Monday that can be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, each key strategic companions for India.India had additionally voted in favour of a UNGA decision final yr that introduced a global summit in June 2025 to debate the 2-state answer. Nevertheless, the convention couldn’t happen final month due to the Iran-Iraq battle.
The US had final month warned governments around the globe towards taking part within the convention, saying it could mar ongoing efforts to finish the struggle and free hostages, based on a diplomatic cable witnessed and reported by Reuters from Paris and Washington.In accordance with France, the convention goals to chart a path in the direction of the 2-state answer via “concrete measures” proposed by the 8 working teams, which have carried out in depth consultations with UN member-states and civil society. The convention is drawing consideration additionally for the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron this week that France will recognise the Palestinian state, turning into the primary G7 nation to take action. The US has condemned France’s determination and can skip the convention together with Israel.Indian ambassador to the UN, P Harish, had in an announcement final week within the Safety Council on the Palestinian query had taken be aware of the high-level convention. “Whereas partaking in a forward-leaning and constructive method, it’s our hope that this Convention would pave the best way for concrete steps in the direction of reaching a two-State answer,” mentioned the official, whereas strongly calling for a ceasefire to be put in place and searching for launch of all hostages.India, which was among the many 19 nations that abstained from voting on a UNGA decision in June for an instantaneous and unconditional ceasefire, has been in contact with the 8 working teams and is anticipated to additional present its inputs on the 2-state answer through the convention. The extent of India’s participation continues to be into account.On the Gaza subject, India has continued to stroll a tightrope between its important and rising ties with Israel and the standard help for the Palestinian trigger, together with the 2-state answer. Whereas the federal government strongly defends Israel’s proper to defend itself from Hamas terrorist assaults, it additionally expects Israel to observe worldwide legislation and never goal civilians. “India shares historic and powerful ties with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We’ve got all the time stood by them and our dedication in the direction of the Palestinian trigger is unwavering,” mentioned Harish in his remarks within the Council.The ministry of exterior affairs additionally reiterated the Indian place in Parliament on Friday that India has all the time supported a negotiated 2-state answer, in the direction of institution of a sovereign, impartial and viable State of Palestine inside safe and acknowledged borders, dwelling facet by facet in peace with Israel.
