On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting, held at the New York Palace Hotel, saw Modi expressing “deep concerns” regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, a stance that has been consistent throughout the ongoing conflict.
India’s position on the Israeli-Hamas conflict is clear – it advocates for a two-state solution, a stance reflected in Modi’s statement that India desires “early restoration of peace and stability” in the region. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of further strengthening the long-standing friendship between India and Palestine.
It’s noteworthy that Abbas heads the Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank, while Gaza is controlled by Hamas. India has been a vocal supporter of a two-state solution, and Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7.
Despite strengthening ties with Israel in recent years, India has consistently extended humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Earlier this year, India released the first installment of a substantial $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees.
Beyond the meeting with Abbas, PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. During these meetings, he reviewed bilateral relations, discussed avenues to enhance cooperation, and emphasized the importance of historical linkages and strong people-to-people connections between India and these nations.
