India votes in favour of UNGA resolution endorsing two-state solution

India has voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution that endorses the New York Declaration, a measure supporting a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The resolution, adopted with broad international support, calls for a “sovereign Palestinian state” and urges concrete, time-bound steps toward peace.

In the vote, 142 member states supported the resolution. Ten countries opposed it, while 12 abstained. Among the nations voting against were Israel and the United States. Argentina and Hungary.

The declaration was first proposed during a conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in July at the UN headquarters.

The resolution also condemns the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and addresses the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza arising from military operations and blockade conditions.

It calls for an international stabilization mission in Gaza to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.

India’s vote in favour of the resolution is consistent with its long-standing diplomatic position supporting a negotiated two-state solution, whereby Israel and a yet-to-be-fully-realized Palestine state coexist peacefully with secure and recognized borders.

This stance reflects India’s emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution, diplomatic channels, and multilateral consensus.

While the resolution is non-binding, it carries symbolic weight, evidencing strong global support for Palestinian sovereignty and urging urgent action to shift toward a sustainable peace process.

Critics of the resolution, including those in opposition, argue that the timeline and enforceability of the measures remain vague. The United States and Israel labeled the resolution as unbalanced and one-sided, contending that it may undermine ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

In voting for the resolution, India joined a wide majority of the international community, aligning itself with countries that advocate for diplomacy, justice, and the protection of civilian rights in conflict zones.

The vote underscores India’s backing of the New York Declaration’s framework, which includes phased implementation of peace steps and recognition of Palestinian rights.