**Summary:**
On July 25, 2025, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs addressed Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 81 regarding India's position on the Palestine issue. The official response, presented to the House, affirmed India's long-standing policy of supporting a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel.
The statement reiterated India's condemnation of the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. India has called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Emphasis was placed on the necessity of safe, timely, and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. The statement also highlighted India's view that bringing Israel and Palestine closer is crucial for creating conditions conducive to the resumption of direct peace negotiations.
In accordance with this policy, India abstained from voting on the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session resolution on June 12, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Palestine: A geographical region in the Middle East, and a central focus of India's foreign policy as indicated in the document.
Israel: A country in the Middle East, mentioned in relation to the two-state solution and the conflict with Hamas.
UN General Assembly: The United Nations General Assembly, where a resolution regarding a ceasefire in Gaza was voted on, and India abstained.
Gaza: A territory in Palestine, the subject of a UN General Assembly resolution regarding a ceasefire.
SHRI SUBBARAYAN K: Member of Lok Sabha who asked the starred question about India's stand on the Palestine issue.
COM. SELVARAJ V: Member of Lok Sabha who asked the starred question about India's stand on the Palestine issue.
SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question.
Hamas: A Palestinian political and military organization involved in the conflict with Israel.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO - 81
ANSWERED ON 25.07.2025
STAND ON PALESTINE ISSUE
*81. SHRI SUBBARAYAN K
COM. SELVARAJ V
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether it is a fact that India abstained on the UN General Assembly
resolution seeking immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the stand of the Government on the Palestine issue?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
1STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (C) IN RESPECT
OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 81 FOR REPLY ON 25.07.2025
REGARDING STAND ON PALESTINE ISSUE ASKED BY SHRI SUBBARAYAN
K AND COM. SELVARAJ V
India’s policy towards Palestine has been long standing. India has
always supported a negotiated two State solution, towards
establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine
within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with
Israel.
India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7
October 2023 and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel- Hamas
conflict. India remains concerned at the security situation and has
called for a ceasefire, release of all hostages and peaceful resolution of
the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India has emphasized the
need for safe, timely and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance
to the people of Palestine. India has also reiterated that bringing Israel
and Palestine closer contributes to creating conditions for early
resumption of direct peace negotiations.
2In line with the above stated policy and position, India abstained in
the vote on the recent resolution in the UNGA Emergency Special
Session on 12 June, 2025.
*****
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