India Explains UN Stand on Israel West Bank Move After Global Attention

In Shorts

• India signed a UN joint statement criticising Israel’s West Bank expansion along with over 100 countries
• MEA said the document was not a negotiated or drafted resolution
• Government reiterated its support for a two state solution in the Middle East

India has issued an official clarification after its decision to associate with a United Nations joint statement condemning Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank drew international attention.

The statement, backed by more than 100 countries and international organisations at the United Nations, criticised continued Israeli actions aimed at strengthening control over occupied territories. These measures have widely been viewed as violations of international law and a potential threat to peace and stability in the region.

Responding to queries during a weekly media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the document signed by India was not a negotiated text. Officials emphasised that New Delhi neither drafted nor formally negotiated the wording of the joint declaration at the global body.

According to the government, India’s position on settlement expansion in the West Bank has already been expressed through previous diplomatic engagements, including joint declarations made during ministerial level discussions with Arab nations. The clarification suggests that India’s endorsement of the UN document was consistent with its earlier stated support for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

The joint UN statement strongly criticised unilateral actions aimed at expanding Israel’s presence in the occupied West Bank and called for an immediate reversal of such decisions. Several signatory nations also reiterated opposition to any form of territorial annexation, underlining concerns about long term implications for regional peace.

India’s move is being seen as part of its broader diplomatic balancing act in the Middle East. While New Delhi maintains strong strategic ties with Israel, it has also consistently backed the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on internationally recognised borders.

Officials noted that India’s approach continues to be guided by its long standing commitment to a two state solution that ensures peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.