Two State Solution of Palestine
Context:
Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s traditional position on the Israel–Palestine conflict by supporting a “two-state solution.”
India also called for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access, and dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts in West Asia and North Africa.
India expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran on maritime traffic and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.
Two State Solution
The Two-State Solution refers to a proposed framework for resolving the Israel–Palestine conflict through the establishment of two separate sovereign states — Israel and an independent Palestine — coexisting peacefully and securely side by side.
The proposal generally envisages the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem often proposed as its capital.
The Oslo Accords of 1993 and subsequent peace processes supported the concept of a two-state solution as the most viable path for long-term peace and stability in West Asia.
India’s Position on the Two-State Solution
India supports the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living within secure and recognized borders alongside Israel.
India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the representative of the Palestinian people in 1974 and officially recognized the State of Palestine in 1988.
At the same time, India has significantly expanded strategic relations with Israel in areas such as defence, agriculture, water management, technology, and trade.
In recent years, India has adopted a balanced and pragmatic approach by maintaining strong relations with both Israel and Palestine.