India vows support to Palestine

New Delhi: In a significant assertion ahead of his visit to Israel likely in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said “India has been unwavering in its support of the Palestinian cause” but added that New Delhi hopes to see a “sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel”.

The comments were made in his speech at Hyderabad House in the Capital in the presence of visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas whom PM Modi described as “an old friend of India”. The statement is being seen by observers as a balancing act between Palestine and the Jewish State. At the same time, India has continued the Nehruvian policy of support to the Palestinian cause. India also called for “early resumption of talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive resolution”.

Hailing India’s support and praising PM Modi, the Palestinian President called for establishing an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also recalled the support from India since the time of Mahatma Gandhi. President Abbas also said he had informed PM Modi of the discussions he had held with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue of the solution for peace between Palestine and Israel. The two sides also inked five MoUs on visa exemption on diplomatic and official passports, cooperation in youth affairs and sports, agricultural cooperation, cooperation in health sector, and information-technology and electronics.

In his speech, PM Modi said, “The relationship between India and Palestine is built on the foundation of long-standing solidarity and friendship since the days of our own freedom struggle. We hope to see the realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel. I have reaffirmed our position on this to President Abbas during our conversation today.”

On the assistance extended by India on the development front and also cultural contacts, PM Modi said, “We have also taken up for particular emphasis the areas of information technology, youth and skills development in the assistance provided by India. India is undertaking project assistance for a flagship techno-park project in Ramallah. Once completed, it will serve as an IT hub in Palestine, offering a one-stop solution for all IT-related training and services. We also look forward to enhancing our cultural exchanges by adding new elements, including yoga exchanges. We look forward to the Palestinian people participating in large numbers during the International Day of Yoga celebrations next month.”

He added, “President Abbas and I have just concluded useful and detailed discussions that will add further strength to our partnership. We agreed that the challenges in West Asia must be addressed through sustained political dialogue and peaceful means.”

India hopes for early resumption of talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive resolution. At the bilateral level, India is committed to be a useful development partner of Palestine. President Abbas and I agreed that both sides, through practical cooperation, will work together to build Palestine’s economy and contribute to improving the lives of its people. We will continue to support the development and capacity-building efforts of Palestine. The agreements concluded today are reaffirmation of our intent to strengthen cooperation in this direction.”