"We stand for two-state solution": MEA reiterates stance on Israel-Palestine conflict
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterates India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict following the IBSA trilateral meeting at the UNGA.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again clarified India's position regarding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, firmly stating the nation's support for a two-state solution. This reaffirmation comes in the wake of a significant trilateral meeting involving India, Brazil, and South Africa on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Clarification on the IBSA Joint Statement
Responding to inquiries about whether India had directly communicated its concerns to Israel, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained the nature of the recent diplomatic engagement. He noted that the joint statement released following the meeting was a collective expression of the views held by the three participating nations.
"We had a meeting at the level of foreign ministers of the three countries, India, Brazil, and South Africa... It is a joint statement wherein the collective view of the three countries has been put together," Jaiswal stated. He emphasized that while the statement touched upon various economic, developmental, and political matters, India's specific stance on the Palestinian issue remains clear: "As far as India's own point of view on Palestine is concerned, we stand for a two-state solution."
Key Takeaways from the IBSA Trilateral Meeting
The 14th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting, held on September 24, saw high-level participation, including India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, South Africa's Ronald Lamola, and Brazil's Mauro Vieira. The discussions yielded several critical positions regarding the Middle East crisis:
- Call for Peace and Access: The ministers urged all parties to uphold ceasefires and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the Gaza Strip without hindrance.
- Opposition to Displacement: There was a shared expression of deep concern regarding policies that might lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Support for UNRWA: The three nations reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stressing the importance of respecting its mandate to provide essential services.
- The Vision for Peace: The ministers maintained that a lasting solution requires fulfilling the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people through peaceful means.
The Roadmap to a Permanent Solution
The joint statement outlined a specific framework for achieving stability in the region. The IBSA ministers reiterated their unwavering commitment to a two-state solution grounded in international law, including relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative.
The proposed vision for peace includes:
- The establishment of an independent and viable State of Palestine.
- The coexistence of Palestine and Israel in peace and security.
- Adherence to the 1967 borders.
- Recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Furthermore, the ministers expressed their support for the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, emphasizing that any arrangement must not prejudice the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people or serve to legitimize a prolonged occupation.