PM Modi holds meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Modi reiterated India’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and emphasized the urgent need for peaceful dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. He expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling for immediate efforts to address the suffering and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence. The Prime Minister also underlined India’s commitment to supporting any international efforts aimed at fostering peace, stability, and security in the region, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy.
New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York, expressing deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the importance of resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
The meeting between Modi and Abbas took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on Sunday. Modi is currently in New York as part of a three-day visit to the United States, following his participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. His visit has included a series of high-profile meetings, including discussions with US President Joe Biden, as well as engagements with the Indian-American community and leading tech executives.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi shared details of his meeting with President Abbas, stating, “Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, echoed Modi’s message in a separate post on X: “PM @narendramodi met H.E.
Modi’s engagement with President Abbas comes at a critical juncture, as the situation in Gaza remains dire. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to devastating casualties on both sides, with Gaza’s population bearing the brunt of the violence, 95,413 injured since October 7, 2023, through to September 16, 2024. Meanwhile, the Israeli military and official sources cited in various media outlets indicate that more than 1,542 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, with the majority of these deaths occurring during the initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
India has long maintained a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for a peaceful and lasting resolution that respects the aspirations of both sides. Prime Minister Modi reiterated this stance in his meeting with Abbas, stressing that India’s position is rooted in the belief that a two-state solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between Israel and Palestine, is the only path toward lasting peace in the region.
Modi’s meeting with Abbas was part of a broader diplomatic effort during his US visit. Earlier in the day, Modi addressed thousands of Indian-Americans at the ‘Modi&US’ mega community event held in Long Island. He spoke about the growing ties between India and the US, emphasizing shared values of democracy and mutual interests in trade, technology, and global stability. The event was attended by members of the Indian diaspora, many of whom see Modi as a transformative figure in India’s global stature.
Modi also participated in a roundtable conference with leading tech executives and CEOs from major US companies, where discussions focused on innovation, digital economy, and strengthening India-US business relations. These meetings underscored Modi’s agenda of boosting economic and technological collaboration between India and the US, building on his government’s focus on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship.
In his discussions with world leaders, Modi’s message of peace, cooperation, and commitment to global stability has resonated. His engagement with President Abbas is seen as an extension of this broader diplomatic outreach, particularly as India seeks to play a constructive role in the Middle East. Modi has made it clear that India remains committed to a just, peaceful, and durable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which continues to be one of the world’s most intractable geopolitical issues.
India’s longstanding position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been one of balance and neutrality, advocating for both the right of Palestinians to statehood and the right of Israel to exist securely within recognized borders. The two-state solution, which has been a cornerstone of India’s policy on the issue, envisions an independent Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have intensified calls for renewed international efforts to find a lasting solution.
As Modi concluded his second day in New York, his administration’s focus on promoting peace and stability, particularly in conflict-ridden regions, was clearly on display. His meeting with President Abbas, as well as his participation in multilateral engagements at the UNGA, reflect India’s growing diplomatic presence on the global stage and its efforts to contribute to resolving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Modi’s visit to the US will continue with further high-level meetings and addresses at the UN, where he is expected to outline India’s vision for global peace, security, and development. His leadership in promoting diplomacy and dialogue, as seen in his meeting with Abbas, highlights India’s evolving role in international affairs and its commitment to fostering solutions through peaceful means.