India Backs Palestine UN Membership Bid and Announces Aid

The Government of India officially backed Palestine's bid for full United Nations membership during the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels on July 14, 2026. Representing New Delhi, Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan of the Ministry of External Affairs advocated for a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and security within recognized borders.

India committed to several new developmental projects, including the establishment of a specialty hospital in the West Bank, an artificial limb fitment center, and a vocational training institute. These initiatives supplement existing Indian efforts in healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. Simultaneously, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced fresh humanitarian assistance in New York and reaffirmed India's continued financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Paleastinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M Abu Shawesh praised India's steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause and international law. He contrasted India's political and financial support for UNRWA with the decision by the United States to cut funding to the agency. Abu Shawesh further identified the United States as the primary barrier to Palestine's full UN membership, stating that Washington has blocked the necessary recommendation from the UN Security Council despite Palestine completing the initial request to the Secretary-General.