India’s Support for Palestine’s UN Membership Bid: A Significant Step
India made a significant statement on Friday by voting in favor of a draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly supporting Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations. This decision reflects India’s longstanding support for Palestine’s aspirations and rights on the global stage.
The resolution received overwhelming support with 143 votes in favor, including India’s, while nine countries voted against and 25 abstained. The UNGA hall erupted into applause following the vote, underscoring the significance of this moment.
The resolution affirmed that “the State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations” and recommended that the Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably” in light of this determination.
India’s support for Palestine dates back several decades. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Subsequently, in 1988, India was among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine. This steadfast support underscores India’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and its pursuit of justice and peace in the region.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, expressed hope that Palestine’s application for UN membership would be reconsidered in due course, emphasizing India’s consistent stance on this matter.
The resolution also outlined additional rights and privileges for Palestine, effective from the 79th session of the General Assembly, starting in September this year. These include the right to be seated among member states in alphabetical order, the right to make statements on behalf of a group, and participation in various UN conferences and meetings.
Although Palestine currently holds observer status at the UN and does not have voting rights in the General Assembly, the resolution signifies a step forward in advancing Palestine’s international standing and recognition.
This latest development underscores India’s principled stance on global issues and its commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood and self-determination. As the world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical challenges, India’s unwavering support for Palestine’s UN membership bid sends a powerful message of solidarity and support for justice and equality on the international stage.
