PM Modi Meets Palestine President, Expresses 'Deep Concern' At Situation in Gaza

PM Modi reiterated India's "principled position" on the Israel-Palestine issue. He called for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. 

PM Narendra Modi expressed "deep concern" at the humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza as he held bilateral talks with Palestinian President H.E. Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.

"PM Narendra Modi met H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, on the sidelines of UNGA today. PM Modi expressed deep concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirmed India's continued support to the people of Palestine," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's "time-tested principled position" on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

He stressed that 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 of the UN.

The two leaders held constructive discussion on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India's support to Palestine at the United Nations and ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity building efforts. 

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen India-Palestine bilateral relations.

In July, India released the first instalment of 2.5 million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, for Palestine refugees for the year 2024-25.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

PM Modi arrived in New York in the second leg of his three-day visit to the US. PM Modi took part in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday.

PM Modi also had a "fruitful roundtable" with tech CEOs in New York and discussed aspects relating to technology, innovation and more. PM Modi highlighted the strides made by India in this field. "I am glad to see immense optimism towards India," PM Modi wrote on X.