India backs two-state solution, expands humanitarian aid to Palestine

India has reiterated its strong support for a negotiated two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, while also expanding its development and humanitarian assistance to Palestine with a new hospital and a vocational training centre.

India has reiterated its strong support for a negotiated two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, while highlighting expanding development and humanitarian assistance to Palestine. Addressing a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined the details of MEA Secretary (CPV & OIA) Sripriya Ranganathan's three-day visit to Ramallah from August 18-20, during which she engaged with top leaders of the Palestinian Authority, including Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and other cabinet members, along with the Foreign Minister.

India's Development Assistance to Palestine

The spokesperson highlighted her participation in a groundbreaking ceremony for a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a vocational training centre. He added that the Secretary reiterated India's commitment to a two-state solution and underscored the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance in Gaza. "She visited Ramallah from the 18th to the 20th. She met with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other cabinet members. She reiterated India's support for a negotiated two-state solution and underscored the importance of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. She also took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for a 200-bed hospital in Jenin, handed over life-saving medicines, and signed an MoU for a vocational education centre," he said.

Clarification on Policy Stance

When asked whether the emphasis on a "negotiated" two-state solution marked a shift in India's policy, spokesperson Jaiswal maintained, "We support the two-state solution".

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

During the visit, Amb Ranganathan called on Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan, Labour Minister Enas Dahadha Attari, and Diplomatic Affairs Advisor to the President Majdi Al Khaldi. The engagements provided an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of India-Palestine relations, exchange views on regional and international developments, and explore ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, a release said.

Amb Ranganathan reiterated India's "principled and longstanding support to a negotiated two-State solution. (ANI)

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