Israel Palestine Conflict: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has justified its decision to sign across the line on a statement that criticized the expansion of West Bank by Israel, its long-time ally, was influenced by its stand to support a two-state solution and the rights of every Palestinian.
The Indian MEA didn’t mince words and joined more than 100 countries and international organizations to condemn the West Bank expansion by Israel. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked that New Delhi is committed to international laws and termed the expansion plans as serious challenges to healthy negotiations.
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Israel Palestine Conflict-The Joint Statement
In a joint statement, it was remarked that the agreeing nations call for an independent, sovereign and viable state of Palestine based on the borders of 1967, living alongside with Israel in peace.
The statement was supported by many African, Asian, European and Latin American countries along with organizations such as the Arab League, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The statement comes a week before the Indian Prime Minister is planning to pay a visit to Israel during February 24-25. Both sides are likely to sign a series of agreements in areas such as security, anti-ballistic missile systems, advanced weapons and technology.
The History Of India And Israel
In the 1990s, the relations between India and Israel blossomed after both countries faced threats from terrorism. The two countries also shared technology ambitions.
Today, Israel is one of India’s top suppliers in the context of military hardware, from missile systems to drones and military intelligence. The bromance between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu is known to everyone.
Political experts believe that India’s stance of backing Palestine is not new. India had good relations with Yasser Arafat, the former President of the Palestinian National Authority.
