India on Friday clarified that India’s endorsement of a UN joint statement condemning Israel’s West Bank expansion does not reflect its official position, saying the statement was not a “negotiated document” and India had already outlined its stance in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday clarified that the UN joint statement India signed was not a “negotiated document” condemning Israel’s West Bank expansion.
MEA said New Delhi’s position on the issue had already been outlined in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting, which emphasised a broader vision for stronger bilateral ties and supported a sovereign, viable Palestine coexisting alongside Israel. The meeting also highlighted that international relations should be conducted according to the UN Charter.
“The statement referred to was not a negotiated document. Our position on this particular issue was expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting joint statement,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told ANI.
This indicates that India did not participate in drafting or formally agreeing to the UN statement condemning Israel’s actions in the West Bank, and it does not represent India’s official diplomatic stance.
India was among more than 100 countries and international organisations that condemned Israel’s attempts to consolidate control over the West Bank, calling the measures a violation of international law and a threat to peace and stability in the region.
India endorsed the statement on Wednesday, just before the deadline for joint condemnation, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel next week, during which he is expected to address the Israeli Parliament.
The joint statement said: “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank. Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed.” It reiterated opposition to annexation and any measures altering the demographic, character, or status of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
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