New Delhi: India has joined more than 100 United Nations member states in signing a joint statement criticizing Israel’s plans to expand activities in the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the statement was not a negotiated document, as is usually the case at the United Nations, and that India’s position on the issue has already been articulated in the India–Arab League Ministerial Joint Statement.
“You would be aware that this was not a negotiated document, as is normally the case at the United Nations,” Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing. “Our position on this matter was outlined earlier in the India–Arab League Ministerial Joint Statement.”
India reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The statement reiterated calls for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, living side by side with Israel in peace.
According to Jaiswal, India associated itself with the joint statement after taking into account the concerns expressed in the document. He added that several other countries also joined the initiative after the statement was issued.
Support for Peace Efforts
Jaiswal also said that India participated as an observer in the first meeting of the Board of Peace held in Washington, D.C. He noted that India supports ongoing peace efforts under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, as well as United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
Developments in Iran
Addressing questions on regional security, Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring developments in Iran and has issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing there.
“We are keeping a close watch on the situation in Iran,” he said.
India–Bangladesh Relations
On ties with Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India is keen to further strengthen its multi-dimensional bilateral relationship with its eastern neighbor.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Tarique Rahman soon after his electoral victory. He also recalled that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended Rahman’s oath-taking ceremony on February 17, 2026, and delivered a letter from Prime Minister Modi reaffirming India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
India, Jaiswal said, looks forward to deepening cooperation across various sectors while building on the two countries’ historic and close ties.