India’s position on Palestine is ‘consistent, independent’
ITS STATED POSITION IS SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL AND NEGOTIATED SOLUTION BETWEEN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL
NEWDELHI: India’s position on Palestine was “consistent and independent” and not determined by a third country, New Delhi said on Thursday within hours of United States President Donald Trump recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, dealing a huge blow to the peace efforts in West Asia.
The decision would add to the turmoil in the region, with Trump also saying the administration would begin the process of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
He was responding to queries on India’s position on US’ move on Jerusalem that triggered a diplomatic backlash against Washington amid renewed fears of violence in the region.
The stated position of India, one of the first non-arab countries to recognise Palestine, is its support for a peaceful and negotiated solution between Palestine and Israel, resulting in a sovereign and independent state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side and at peace with Israel, within secured and recognised borders.
Though India’s ties with Israel have strengthened over the years, the support for the Palestinian cause has remained unchanged.
“We hope for an early realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and a viable Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message on November 25 to mark the international day of solidarity with Pal- estinian people.
Trump’s Jerusalem move, which fulfils his campaign promise, not only breaks from the longheld US policy position but also potentially threatens regional stability despite stark warnings from Western and Arab allies.
Palestine envoy to India Adnan Abu Alhaija said Modi will visit his country and it could be seen as a “reaction” to the “very action that has happened”.
The ministry xternal Affairs Ministry didn’t make any response to the comment the ambassador made during a discussion on Rajya Sabha TV on Thursday.
“Maybe I announce it here (in the show) and let you all know before everyone else Mr Modi will visit Palestine. I am told this is a reaction to the very action that has happened”, the envoy said. ”We are not aware of any planned visit . However, it would be inappropriate on our part to react to the comments made by the ambassador said at this juncture,” said a government official who didn’t want to be named.