PM Modi Expresses ‘Strong Support’ For Palestinian Cause, Urges Dialogue With Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed hope for an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine to move towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution, as he reiterated India's "strong support" for the Palestinian cause. Ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on November 29, Modi in a message extended his best wishes to the Palestinian people "in their pursuit of statehood, peace and prosperity."

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, I reiterate India's strong support for the Palestinian cause. I also express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, independent, viable and United State of Palestine co-existing peacefully with Israel," PM Modi said in his message.

"Our enhanced project assistance and capacity building initiatives will continue to contribute to Palestinian nation building," he said.

India joins @UN Observance of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People pic.twitter.com/l9iGce8C7T

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) November 28, 2019

During Modi's historic visit to Palestine, the two sides had signed agreements worth around USD 50 million that included setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine.

Earlier this month, India announced its pledge to contribute USD 5 million in 2020 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).