PM Modi meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas; Assures more assistance for Gaza

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the first time since the current Israel-Gaza conflict and expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India's unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance.

The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the UN Summit for the Future.

"Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Reiterated India's support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views of further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine," Modi posted on X.


At the meeting, the prime minister reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, according to a MEA readout of the meeting. He stressed that only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine, he conveyed India's continued support to Palestine membership of the UN.

The two leaders held constructive discussion on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India's support to Palestine at the United Nations and ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity-building efforts, according to the MEA readout.

Modi also met Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the state of Kuwait as the two countries are looking to give fresh momentum to ties.

The PM also met Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli in what was their first meeting since Oli's re-election as PM. They review partnership in diverse sectors including development partnership, hydropower cooperation, people-to-people ties, and enhancing connectivity -- physical, digital and in the domain of energy.