During his ongoing visit to the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the escalating conflict in Gaza. The discussion comes amid heightened regional tensions, with international leaders calling for immediate de-escalation.
"In New York, I met President Mahmoud Abbas. he reiterated India's support for the restoration of regional stability and peace. discussed ways to further our long-standing friendship with the Palestinian people," Modi wrote in a post on X.
The meeting between Modi and Abbas took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) summit. The Indian Prime Minister’s remarks reflect India’s balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, maintaining friendly relations with both Israel and Palestine.
President Abbas, for his part, welcomed India's involvement in addressing the crisis and expressed hope that India, with its historical ties to the region, would play a constructive role in facilitating peace.
The Gaza crisis has been a focal point of global concern, with heavy civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported. The international community has been urging a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks, though tensions remain high.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. has been marked by high-level meetings and engagements on various international issues, from climate change to economic cooperation. His dialogue with President Abbas is seen as a significant diplomatic move, reaffirming India's role as a key player in global peace efforts.
The meeting also reflects India’s strategic balancing act in the Middle East, where it enjoys robust relations with both Israel and the Arab world. Modi has strengthened ties with Israel since coming to power, but India continues to support Palestinian aspirations for statehood, a policy rooted in its historical alignment with the Non-Aligned Movement.