Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, where he expressed deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza. The meeting underscored India’s commitment to supporting the restoration of peace and stability in the region, and reaffirmed its long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine.
Prime Minister Modi, currently on the second leg of his three-day visit to the United States, addressed the humanitarian challenges in Gaza during his discussions with President Abbas. India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for a just and lasting solution through direct and meaningful negotiations.
“Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Reiterated India’s support for early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views on further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also shared details of the meeting on social media. “PM @narendramodi met H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, on the sidelines of UNGA today. PM expressed deep concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirmed India’s continued support to the people of Palestine,” Jaiswal wrote on X.
The Gaza Strip, a long-standing focal point of conflict between Israel and Palestine, has been experiencing devastating humanitarian crises for years. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), between October 7, 2023, and September 16, 2024, at least 41,226 Palestinians have lost their lives and over 95,000 have been injured as a result of ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Israeli sources report that more than 1,542 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed during this period, many of them during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
India has been a strong proponent of the two-state solution, emphasizing that peace between Israel and Palestine can only be achieved through direct negotiations. The Indian government has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting the aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.
