India has consistently championed a negotiated two-state solution to the Palestine issue, asserting it as the only viable path to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East. At the recent Ministerial Committee meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda, on October 16, 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh strongly reiterated India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s inherent rights to self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains a comprehensive two-state solution, which is fundamental for enduring peace and overall regional prosperity. Singh clearly defined the parameters for this peace: a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely alongside Israel, within mutually recognized and secure borders.
The Minister also underscored India’s firm stance since the escalation of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. He explicitly condemned terrorism, stressing the urgent need to end the widespread destruction, despair, and suffering endured by civilians. Singh called for unhindered access to essential supplies like food and fuel for Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and an immediate ceasefire.
Highlighting India’s deep historical ties with Palestine, Mr. Singh reminded attendees that the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine was actually established under India’s presidency during the 1983 NAM Summit in New Delhi.
He reaffirmed that India’s convictions are demonstrably reflected in its actions, as New Delhi continues to provide crucial development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Since October 2023 alone, India has delivered nearly 135 metric tonnes of vital medicines and supplies.
Furthermore, India contributes an annual sum of $5 million to the core budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with additional projects totaling ₹40 million currently planned.
The Minister expressed his welcome for the recent agreement on the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, viewing it as a positive step toward achieving peace in the troubled region. He also commended Egypt and Qatar, both fellow NAM members, for their instrumental role in facilitating this agreement.
In closing, Mr. Singh stressed the critical importance of maintaining peace and calm, urging all parties to honor their commitments. He reiterated India’s readiness to actively contribute to the vision of a peaceful and stable Middle East and to collaborate constructively with its NAM partners to achieve this vital objective.