Prime Minister Modi Benjamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas.
A parliamentary standing committee related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met on Friday. The Foreign Secretary briefed the meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and India’s role. He said that India has a long-standing relationship with Israel and Palestine. India is concerned about the humanitarian issues that have arisen. India advocates a peaceful solution. India’s position has always been in favor of Palestinian independence.
One MP asked why India seems to be siding with Israel while we are providing humanitarian aid to Palestine? In response, the Foreign Secretary said this was not the case. Palestine has a separate identity in Indian eyes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the committee that there are currently 30,000 Indians in Israel. This includes students, professionals and business people. Some 9,000 construction workers and about 700 agricultural workers have traveled to Israel since the war began.
India always supports resolving issues through dialogue
During the war, Prime Minister Modi remained in touch with Israeli and Palestinian as well as global leaders. India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution that would lead to a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state within secure and mutually recognized borders, living in peace with Israel.
The issue of deteriorating relations with Canada was raised at the meeting.
India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine in the 1980s. India supports Palestine’s accession to the United Nations. At the meeting, some opposition MPs also raised the issue of the recent deterioration in relations between India and Canada. The Foreign Secretary made no comment.
Some MPs raised the issue of China-India border dispute
Some opposition lawmakers also raised the issue of border disputes with China. In response, the Foreign Secretary said that efforts are being made to restore the situation before 2020. In this regard, a separate reply will be provided to the member.
