India Reaffirms Support for Negotiated Two-State Solution in Palestine Amid Gaza Crisis
India has reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a senior External Affairs Ministry official conveying New Delhi's concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, made the remarks during an official visit to Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon from August 16 to 21.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Ms. Ranganathan called on Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine, in Ramallah. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including extensive development cooperation initiatives, according to a statement from the Representative Office of India to Palestine.
“India reiterated its longstanding support for a negotiated two-State solution, and underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza through sustained humanitarian assistance and continued dialogue and diplomacy,” the office posted on X (formerly Twitter).
India has consistently backed a vision of a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognised borders, consistent with international law. This position was reaffirmed during the meeting, with Ms. Ranganathan also expressing India’s concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The discussions covered the full range of India-Palestine relations, with particular focus on the current situation in Palestine, developments in Gaza, humanitarian needs, and India’s long-running development partnership with the Palestinian people. Both sides also reviewed ongoing initiatives spanning health, education, and capacity-building programmes.
Ms. Ranganathan reaffirmed “India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-State solution,” and reiterated India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Palestinian Foreign Minister recalled her successful visit to India in January this year and expressed appreciation for India’s continuing support through development projects, capacity-building programmes, scholarships, humanitarian assistance, and contributions to Palestinian institutions and UN agencies.
India has maintained diplomatic and development ties with Palestine for decades, offering aid and technical cooperation while also engaging with Israel. The visit underscores New Delhi’s continued engagement in West Asia, even as it navigates complex regional dynamics. The two-state solution remains the internationally backed framework for resolving the conflict, though negotiations have remained stalled in recent years.
Ms. Ranganathan’s visit to Palestine comes as part of a broader regional tour, including stops in Egypt and Lebanon, reflecting India’s multifaceted engagement with the Middle East. The emphasis on humanitarian assistance and diplomatic dialogue signals India’s preference for a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the long-standing conflict.
