Jaishankar pitches for ‘sustainable solution’ to Israel-Palestine conflict
New Delhi, January 20
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met Palestine’s Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Uganda and held a “detailed and comprehensive discussion” on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
“Good to meet with Palestinian FM in Kampala, Uganda, this afternoon. Had a detailed and comprehensive discussion on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Exchanged views on its humanitarian and political dimensions. Reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In his national statement delivered at the 19th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Jaishankar had said, “Gaza is understandably uppermost in our minds”, while calling for a sustainable solution to the conflict. While condemning terrorism and hostage-taking as unacceptable, Jaishankar had also said that international humanitarian law must “always be respected by all states”.
On Friday, Jaishankar had bilaterals with Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Belarus, both of which as neighbours have a ringside view of the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine.
Jaishankar’s message was that it is imperative that the conflict does not spread within or beyond the region. “But in the final analysis, we must seek a two-state solution where the Palestinian people can live within secure borders. Our collective endeavours should focus on making this realisable,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister also called on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the newly appointed Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mohammed Hasan Mahmud, who will come to India on February 7.
“So glad to meet with my new Bangladesh counterpart in Kampala today. Congratulated him on his appointment and wished him all success…. India-Bangladesh relations are growing from strength to strength. Looking forward to receiving him in Delhi soon,” Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
Reiterates support
Good to meet with Palestinian FM at Kampala. Had a detailed and comprehensive discussion on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Exchanged views on its humanitarian and political dimensions. Reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution. — S Jaishankar, EAM
