PM Modi meets Palestinian President Abbas, expresses 'deep concern' over Gaza crisis
Amid the ongoing strife in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future in New York, USA, on Sunday.
The Ministry of External Affairs posted details on its website on Monday morning (IST) saying “the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine”.
Modi, who is on a three-day US visit from September 21-23, reiterated India’s time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for a ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Reiterating India’s long-held position, Modi said, “Only a two State solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region”. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine membership in the UN.
The two leaders also held discussion on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India’s ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity building efforts.
The issue of Gaza had also cropped up at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in the US on Saturday. The leaders in a joint statement said “We share great interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023. The large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable”.
“We remain committed to a sovereign, viable and independent Palestinian state taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace”, the statement had said.
It called for ending any unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-State solution, including Israeli expansion of settlements and violent extremism on all sides.
On the sidelines of the UN meet, Modi also met the Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. Prime Minister congratulated Nepal on becoming the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member, and underlined the importance of a regional response to the challenge of climate change.
Modi also met Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah. This was the first meeting between the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, which is the largest diaspora group in the country.
