PM Modi Meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Expresses 'Deep Concern' Over Situation In Gaza

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.

A video surfaced online showing the two leaders embracing as they met, highlighting the warm ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed India's deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region.

He reaffirmed India's steadfast support for the Palestinian people, including ongoing humanitarian assistance, and emphasised that "only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region."

Modi also recalled that India was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine and conveyed India's "continued support to Palestine's membership of the UN," according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Modi shared pictures of his meeting with President Abbas on his X account, stating, "Exchanged views of further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine."

India's commitment to the Palestinian cause was further demonstrated by its first instalment of humanitarian aid for Gaza in July, with $2.5 million released to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Apart from his meeting with President Abbas, PM Modi also held bilateral discussions with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, marking the first such meeting with the Crown Prince.

Modi also addressed the Indian community in New York and participated in a roundtable with top US tech leaders and CEOs after attending the Quad Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by President Joe Biden.