New Delhi – India on Friday clarified its decision to join a United Nations-backed statement criticizing Israeli settlement expansions in the West Bank, framing the move as a continuation of its long-standing foreign policy. The clarification followed questions regarding New Delhi’s initial absence from a joint appearance, which was later resolved when India officially associated itself with the condemnation.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the decision aligns with India’s established support for a negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine.
Policy Continuity and International Law
Addressing the media, Jaiswal explained that while the text was not a formal UN resolution, India joined the group of nations to uphold its previously articulated positions. He cited the recent India-Arab League Ministerial joint statement as the foundation for this move.
Key pillars of India’s stance reiterated by the MEA include:
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Two-State Solution: Commitment to a “sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine” based on the 1967 borders.
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Peaceful Coexistence: Ensuring Palestine and Israel live side-by-side in peace and security.
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Opposition to Unilateralism: Rejection of measures that alter the demographic composition or status of territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
The UN Statement
India was among more than 100 states and international organizations—including 85 original UN member states—that signed the statement. The collective warned that expanding controls in the West Bank could amount to de facto annexation, which violates international law and jeopardizes the prospects for a lasting peace.
Strategic Balancing
Diplomatic officials indicated that the move does not signal a shift in India’s relationship with Israel, with whom it maintains a strong strategic partnership. Instead, it reflects New Delhi’s “calibrated” approach: maintaining diplomatic engagement with both sides while standing firm on international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
