India has once again reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, signalling that New Delhi continues to favour a diplomatic and political settlement rather than an open-ended military confrontation. The position was reiterated by MEA Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan during her meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.
The timing of the statement is important. The Gaza conflict continues to create severe humanitarian concerns, while international efforts to find a durable political settlement remain complicated. India has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation and stressed the need for safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of assistance to civilians.
From an analytical perspective, India’s latest statement reflects a foreign-policy approach that attempts to maintain relationships with both Israel and the Palestinian side. New Delhi has strong strategic, defence, technology and economic ties with Israel, while it has also consistently supported Palestinian statehood and development.
India’s two-state position is not new. The government has repeatedly stated that it supports the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living alongside Israel within secure and recognised borders. This position has been reaffirmed in Parliament and through India’s diplomatic engagements.
The significance of the latest statement lies in its continued consistency. Rather than shifting its position according to changing regional pressures, India is again emphasising dialogue, diplomacy and a negotiated settlement.
For New Delhi, this approach also has strategic value. India has important economic and energy relationships across West Asia and a large Indian community in the Gulf. Prolonged instability in the region can affect energy prices, shipping routes, trade and the safety of Indian citizens.
At the same time, India’s humanitarian message on Gaza adds another dimension to its diplomacy. Supporting humanitarian assistance allows New Delhi to express concern over civilian suffering while maintaining its broader position on Israel’s security and the need to address terrorism.
The bigger question is whether diplomatic support from countries such as India can contribute meaningfully to reviving negotiations. A two-state solution requires agreement on difficult issues including borders, security, settlements, Jerusalem, refugees and governance in Gaza and the West Bank.
India therefore has limited ability to directly determine the outcome, but it can use its relationships with multiple regional and global partners to support dialogue and humanitarian cooperation.
The latest MEA statement ultimately shows that India is maintaining a carefully balanced West Asia policy: supporting Palestinian statehood and a negotiated two-state solution, expressing concern about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, while continuing its strategic engagement with Israel.
