India, Arab League Reaffirm Support for Two-State Solution to Palestine Issue
At a high-level meeting in New Delhi, both sides called for stronger ties, firm action against terrorism, and respect for international law.
India and member nations of the Arab League on Saturday jointly reaffirmed their support for a sovereign and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel, underlining their commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The consensus was reflected at the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, which was attended by representatives from 19 Arab League countries. The gathering outlined a broader roadmap for strengthening cooperation between India and the Arab world across political, economic, and strategic areas.
In a declaration issued after the meeting, both sides strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and called on all countries to work together to dismantle terror networks, stop terror financing, and ensure swift justice for those responsible for terrorist attacks. The Arab League countries expressed full and unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism, including condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that targeted civilians.
The declaration said discussions covered a wide range of regional and global issues, including the Palestine question, the importance of multilateralism, respect for national sovereignty, counterterrorism efforts, and reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
India and the Arab League emphasised that international relations must be guided by respect for the UN Charter, particularly the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining international peace and security.
On the Middle East, the declaration reaffirmed support for a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” based on international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The two sides called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, living side by side in peace with Israel, and supported the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
The meeting also welcomed the outcomes of last year’s Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, including the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. It praised the role played by Arab states, especially Egypt and Qatar, along with the United States, in facilitating the agreement. The declaration urged all parties to fully implement the ceasefire and noted the launch of the Arab-Islamic plan for relief, recovery, and reconstruction in Gaza.
Both sides stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance across the Gaza Strip and safeguard the operations of international relief agencies.
Beyond political issues, India and the Arab League agreed to expand cooperation in key areas such as energy, digital technologies, health, and education. They also condemned attacks by Houthi militias on maritime navigation and highlighted the shared international responsibility of protecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern Red Sea, and regional sea lanes.
The declaration warned against any actions that could destabilise the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, and reaffirmed the collective resolve of India and the Arab League to act as constructive forces for peace, equity, sustainable development, and stronger South-South cooperation.
