India participated as an ‘observer’ in Board of Peace meeting: MEA

India participated as an observer at the Board of Peace meeting, reaffirming its support for a viable Palestinian state.

A day after an Indian diplomat participated in the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza in Washington D.C., the External Affairs Ministry said India was there as an “observer”.

In addition, the official spokesperson of the Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India’s position on the Palestinian issue and said India stood for a “sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine based on 1967 borders”.

“India attended the Board of Peace meeting held in Washington D.C. as an observer. India has supported the Gaza Peace Plan initiative of President Trump and the efforts underway due to UNSC resolution 2803,” said Mr. Jaiswal in response to a question on India’s presence in the meeting. India was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. Namgya Khampa.

Mr. Jaiswal explained India’s multiple moves on the Israel-Palestine conflict over the past few days that received sharper focus because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled February 25-26 visit to Israel.

Earlier this week, India opted out of a joint appearance of member nations at the United Nations (UN) criticising Israel for its continued expansion of West Bank settlements. India did not initially sign a statement critical of Israel that was endorsed by 85 member states. However, more than 24 hours later, India signed the statement that was read out by the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN on February 17 criticising the Israeli government for its policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank.

Israel’s recent decisions asking existing Palestinian landholders of West Bank for proof of ownership and facilitating outside settlers to acquire land in the enclave have drawn strong condemnation from multiple quarters, including from the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.