LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4749
ANSWERED ON 20/03/2026
INDIA’S STAND ON ISRAEL AND PALESTINE ISSUE
4749. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has assured Israel of its firm support and has also supported the Gaza Peace Initiative during the recent visit of Prime Minister of India to Israel, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether India had stayed out of a statement issued at a joint press conference of diplomats from more than 85 countries at the United Nations on 17.2.2026, criticizing Israel’s plans to tighten control of territory in the West Bank, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether a day after India skipped a joint appearance with other countries at the United Nations to condemn Israel for its plans for West Bank settlement, India signed a joint statement on 18.2.2026, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether India attended the Board of Peace meeting held in Washington D.C. as an observer, if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether India still stood for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine based on 1967 borders, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to e) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a State visit to Israel on February 25-26, 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council.
India's position towards Palestine has been long-standing. India remains committed to advancing a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. In consonance with our position, India associated itself with the joint statement at the United Nations.
India attended the Board of Peace meeting held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., USA on 19 February 2026 as an Observer. 26 countries participated as Members in the meeting, while 22 countries, including India, participated as Observers. Full list of participating countries is placed at Annexure-I
.
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