General Assembly

Permanent Mission of India

New York

High-Level Ministerial Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

Statement by Mr. Sibi George, Secretary (West)

24 September 2026

Excellencies and colleagues,

India thanks the organizers for convening this important meeting at a crucial juncture, as aspirations of the Palestinian people, a lasting and sustained solution, and durable peace deserve greater attention of the international community. The humanitarian situation, suffering of the people and the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians also warrant the need for sustained international engagement.

India’s participation in today’s meeting as well as in the earlier meetings of the Global Alliance stems from our longstanding and consistent position on Palestine. It is also a reflection of our abiding commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. It needs mention in this context that India recognized the State of Palestine 38 years ago, in 1988 and became one of the first non-Arab country to do so.

Our support to the Two-State solution has been clear and consistent. We believe that a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognized borders, is essential to a comprehensive and lasting solution. As we also witnessed in the United Nations last September, the support for the Two-State solution is growing internationally. Number of member states that recognize the State of Palestine is on the rise.

Excellencies,

The path to achieve the Two-State solution is also very pertinent to today’s discussions. Purposeful dialogue and diplomacy are central to this. However, there is a need to go beyond acknowledging these vital principles. Actionable steps that lead to the end-goal must be drawn up. Their implementation modalities are also key.
Certain conditions would pave the way for a Two-State solution. Humanitarian assistance must flow. A State cannot thrive amidst the absence and lack of basic facilities, and shortages. There must be reinvigorated efforts to strengthen the health and education infrastructure. Meticulous reconstruction and substantially large scale rehabilitation efforts will be required to realize the long-cherished desire of the Palestinian people to lead dignified, normal lives. Strengthening Palestinian institutions, improving governance and service delivery are also factors that could impart momentum. Conducive frameworks that aid investment and employment must be developed. I am happy to inform that India has made a mark in each of these verticals.

India’s approach has always combined political commitment with practical support. Our development assistance has taken various forms. India has extended humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, including medicines, medical supplies and other essential relief. Our ongoing bilateral project commitments include the construction of a 200-bed super speciality hospital, the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy, a women empowerment centre, an artificial limb fitment camp and a vocational training institute. India is also a top emerging donor of UNRWA. Moving forward, we will continue to contribute to the well-being of the Palestinian people.

In conclusion, India would like to stress that the Global Alliance could make impactful contributions in the future, particularly in terms of drawing up practical steps for the implementation of the Two-State solution. We must be mindful that it demands sustained commitment and tireless efforts. India will continue to support such efforts, guided by the principles of dialogue and diplomacy.

I thank you.

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