What Is Indias Stand On Israel And Palestine

By India Today Web Desk: The US President Donald Trump has announced recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital overturning decades of US foreign policy.

Earlier today, in response to queries regarding India’s position on recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel by the US, the official spokesperson said: “India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country.”

But, what is India’s stand on Israel and Palestine?

Here’s a 14 point guide for the curious minds:

India – Israel

1. 1948: India voted against the creation of Israel as a separate state.

2. May 1949: India voted against Israel in its admission to UN.

3. September 17, 1950: India announced recognition of Israel, two years after its creation.

4. 1992: Upon establishment of full diplomatic relations, embassies were opened in Tel Aviv.

5. October 2015: President Pranab Mukherjee visited Isreal.

6. November 2016: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India.

7. 4-6 July 2017: Prime Minister Modi made the first ever official visit to Israel. The relationship between the two nations was turned to ‘strategic’. Modi, however, did not stop at Ramallah in Palestine, a traditional stop for most foreign heads of state or dignitaries visiting Israel.

India – Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in India in May 2017(Photo: Twitter/Gopal Baglay)

1. 1974: India became the first non-Arab state to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

2. 1988: India was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine.

3. 1996: India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza. 2003: It was shifted to Ramallah. Unlike in Israel, India does not have an embassy in Palestine.

4. October 2011: India voted in favour of Palestine for its acceptance as a full member of UNESCO.

5. November 29, 2012: India co-sponsored the resolution that made Palestine a ‘non-member state’ of United Nations General Assembly.

6. April 2015: India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference

7. September 2015: India supported installation of Palestine flag at UN premises.

(Information and dates sourced from the website of Ministry of External Affairs, with inputs from Geeta Mohan)

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