India and Arab League Nations Advocate for Two-State Solution to Palestine Issue

At the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting, India and Arab League nations endorsed a two-state solution for Palestine, emphasising UN principles and collective counter-terrorism efforts.

India and the Arab League nations have outlined a vision for stronger bilateral ties, advocating for a sovereign Palestine coexisting with Israel. They emphasised the importance of international relations based on the UN charter. At the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting, both sides condemned cross-border terrorism and urged global cooperation to dismantle terror networks and bring terrorists to justice swiftly.

The meeting, hosted by India, included 19 Arab League member countries. A declaration released after the meeting highlighted a commitment to counterterrorism efforts. It strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack targeting innocent Indians. The Arab League members expressed unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism in all forms.

Commitment to Peace and Security

The discussions covered regional and global issues, including Palestine, multilateralism, state sovereignty, counterterrorism, and UN Security Council reforms. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining international peace and security. They stressed that international relations should respect the UN Charter's principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in domestic matters.

The declaration also reiterated a commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. This includes adhering to international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. Both parties called for a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel.

Support for Palestinian Rights

The two sides supported the Palestinian people's inalienable rights. They welcomed last year's Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit outcomes, which led to a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Delhi Declaration praised Egypt, Qatar, and the USA for their roles in this process.

The meeting urged all parties to comply with the agreement's implementation. It noted the launch of an Arab-Islamic plan for Gaza's relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Ensuring humanitarian aid access throughout Gaza was emphasised as essential for relief agencies' continued operations.

Broader Cooperation Initiatives

India and the Arab League nations pledged to expand cooperation in energy, digital technology, health, and education sectors. They condemned Houthi militia attacks on maritime navigation. The protection of Bab al-Mandab Strait and southern Red Sea was deemed a shared international responsibility.

Both sides warned against destabilising attempts in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean regions. They reaffirmed their determination to act as constructive forces for peace, equity, sustainable development, and strengthening South-South cooperation.

The remarks from India and Arab League nations came shortly after US President Donald Trump unveiled his Board of Peace initiative aimed at fostering lasting peace in Gaza and resolving global conflicts.

With inputs from PTI