India acknowledges US role on Gaza, backs two-state solution at UN

India on Wednesday acknowledged the United States’ role in advancing efforts to address the long-standing conflict in Gaza, reaffirming its consistent commitment to peace, dialogue and a negotiated political solution in the Middle East. The remarks were made by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during a UN Security Council open debate on the Situation in the Middle East.

“India takes note of recent progress in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to end the Gaza conflict and appreciates the role of the United States in addressing this long-standing issue,” Harish said.

Adopted in November last year, the resolution endorsed the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict announced by US President Donald Trump on September 29. It envisages Gaza as a deradicalised, terror-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbours, along with large-scale redevelopment for its people. The resolution also welcomed the establishment of a Board of Peace as a transitional administration to coordinate funding and oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.

India said that beyond political frameworks, immediate priorities remain humanitarian relief, reconstruction and economic recovery. Harish described the task as immense, requiring sustained international commitment, while stressing that terrorism has no place in civilised societies and must be condemned in all its forms.

Citing the scale of devastation, Harish referred to UNOPS estimates that Gaza contains nearly 60 million tonnes of rubble , much of it hazardous, and said conventional reconstruction models would be inadequate, calling for innovative, technology-driven approaches.

While noting incremental improvements in humanitarian conditions, India said harsh winter weather and widespread destruction continue to impede relief efforts. Shortages of food, fuel, healthcare, education, hygiene and sanitation affect all sections of society, particularly women and children. India reiterated its call for safe and unhindered humanitarian access and urged the international community to support Palestinians’ aspirations for normal, dignified lives.

On the political front, India reaffirmed its long-standing support for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine , living side by side with Israel in peace and security within secure and recognised borders. India, the first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine in 1988, continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace.

Harish said India’s commitment is reflected in concrete assistance. Over the past two years, India has supplied nearly 135 metric tonnes of medicines and relief material and is implementing projects worth around $40 million, taking cumulative support to over $170 million .

Expanding on the wider region, Harish said protracted conflicts and humanitarian distress in the Middle East have implications for international peace and security, calling for inclusive and sustained diplomatic engagement.

On Syria, India backed a Syrian-led political process and highlighted the contribution of its peacekeepers. In Lebanon, India reaffirmed its commitment to stability, stressing that the safety and security of peacekeepers are non-negotiable . On Yemen, India called for unity, stability and stepped-up humanitarian assistance.