United Nations – India stated its support for the Two States solution at the three-day high level International Conference on ‘The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’. Held July 28 through 30, 2025 at the UN headquarters, the conference was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
India also stated the urgent need to focus on identifying and implementing steps towards the Two State solution.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, presenting India’s official statement, suggested purposeful dialogue and diplomacy to facilitate bilateral negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Harish charted out the basic prerequisites for the Two-State solution listing ensuring the flow of humanitarian assistance without any hindrance, access to food, fuel and other basic necessities. It was also necessary to improve the plight of the hostages and their families and normalize life for civilians, women and children, Harish said.
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Harish pointed out that India was among the first states to recognize Palestine in 1988 with firm support commitment. India has contributed close to 160 million dollar in the form of human-centric projects in various sectors, partnering with the Palestinian Authority and the UN, he said.
Harish commended endorsement for the Two-State solution by the leaders of the Arab states and the eight Working Groups which provided the outlines and action points for the Two-State solution. At the same time, he warned against keeping the action points on paper only.
Calling for lasting solutions, Harish listed short term measures for the interim which include an immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy which are being facilitated by some member states.
The UN had first stated establishment of the two states of Israel and Palestine in 1947. The question of Palestine was reintroduced in the UN General Assembly in 1974.
India has had diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. India recognized Israel in 1950 and full diplomatic relations were established in January 1992. Israel had a Consulate in Mumbai since 1953.
India recognized Palestine in 1988, and has undertaken various projects collaborating with the Palestinian Authority. Ambassador P. Harish has served in Gaza City as India’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority from 1998 to 2000.
The conference pushed for renewed global action to advance the implementation of UN resolutions for the two-State solution. New member states announced recognition of the state of Palestine and pledged new aid and support. 149 countries recognize the State of Palestine already.
United Kingdom announced conditional recognition for Palestine and announced restoring funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It announced suspending arms exports that could be used in Gaza; and signed a ‘landmark agreement ‘ with the Palestinian Authority.
France also announced full recognition of the state of Palestine. The State of Palestine has also been recognized since 2010 by most Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Canada pledged additional 10 million dollars in 2025 to accelerate reform and capacity building for the Palestinian Authority, and 30 million dollars in new money for civilians in Gaza.
The European Union announced 1.6 billion Euros over the next three years.
The conference concluded with creation of the ‘New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’ which outlines political, humanitarian and security steps to be taken in a timely fashion. Member States were urged to support the declaration and endorse it by the end of the 79th session of the General Assembly.