Days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Israel, he on Tuesday hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New Delhi and assured him of his Government’s continued “unwavering support” to the Palestinian cause. Modi, at the same time, also hoped for early resumption of talks between Palestinian and Israel that move towards finding a comprehensive resolution to their long-standing problem.
“India has been unwavering in its support of the Palestinian cause. And, we hope to see the realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel. I have reaffirmed our position on this to President Abbas during our conversation today,” Modi said in a statement before the media after the bilateral talks between the two countries.
Despite his open proximity to the Israeli Government, Modi made sure Abbas goes back satisfied and assured of India’s commitment to be a useful development partner of Palestine. The two sides signed five agreements to enhance co-operation in the areas of agriculture, sports and youth affairs, health sector, information technology and electronics.
There was also a pact for visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders.
Besides, India will also help Palestine in capacity building.
India is helping Palestine with a Techno Park project in Birzeit University, Ramallah. The project worth $12 million is the single biggest project supported by India in Palestine till date. India is also setting up an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine for training of Palestinian diplomats through assistance of $4.5 million. Besides, India has doubled the number of scholars for Palestinians to undertake higher studies in India apart from increasing ITEC slots from 80 to 150 and ICCR scholarships from 25 to 50.
Happy with the India-Palestine relations being on an upswing, Abbas said Palestine appreciates the solidarity India extends to its cause and termed India as its “dost” and “ahead of all friendly countries” in helping Palestine. “India is a friend. It has influence at the international level. India can play an important role (in the resolving Palestine Israel crisis),” Abbas said. He added while Palestine is working on building its institutions, it finds India on the forefront in reconstruction of the country.