India on Monday pledged to provide more aid to war-torn Palestine. Speaking in New York, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also announced India’s support for the membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations.
Speaking at the launch of India’s campaign for the UN Security Council 2028-29, EAM Jaishankar announced that India is committed to establishing a specialized hospital, prosthetic fitting center and vocational training institute for Palestine during a meeting in Brussels with the Palestine donor group.
The Federal Minister added, “This is in line with our long-term support for the two-state solution.”
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), India is among the largest donors. Based on data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, since 2023, India has provided about 135 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Palestine and about $80 million in development in the last decade.
India supports Palestine’s application for membership in the United Nations
Moreover, during the donor group meeting in Brussels, New Delhi also expressed its support for Palestine’s inclusion in the United Nations.
Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, said India is a long-term partner of the Palestinian people and will support the two-state solution as well as Palestine’s membership in the intergovernmental organization.
The State of Palestine currently enjoys the status of a non-permanent observer state in the United Nations. This classification was granted in 2012 and allows representatives of Palestine to participate in the procedures, but it does not give the state the power to vote on draft resolutions.
The full recommendation for membership comes from the United Nations Security Council.
India’s support for a seat for Palestine comes at a time when it has launched its own bid to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2028-2029.
