India has expressed deep concern at the United Nations over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip caused by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and demanded the release of all hostages immediately.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council “Open Debate on Middle East,” on July 17, 2024, Charge d’Affaires & Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador R. Ravindra reminded Council members that India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel and the loss of civilian lives in the conflict.
“We have called for restraint, de-escalation and emphasized the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also urged adherence to international law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances,” Ambassador Ravindra told the Council. “We reiterate the call for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, safe, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance and unrestricted access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip.”
While calling for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, Ambassador Ravindra acknowledged Qatar and Egypt’s efforts in securing their release. He highlighted that India’s leadership has been actively engaging with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, consistently reiterating its stance in various international forums.
He emphasized India’s consistent support for a two-State solution, advocating for the creation of an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state with mutually agreed-upon borders, peaceful co-existence with Israel, while considering Israel’s security needs.
He underscored that India has consistently backed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA’s) in its significant role lending humanitarian services.
“Our developmental assistance to Palestine, in various forms, over the years, amounts to close to USD 120 million, including USD 35 million as contribution to UNRWA. India has been providing an annual contribution of USD 5 million since 2018 to UNRWA,” he added. “We have already announced the disbursement of USD 2.5 million, the first tranche of our annual contribution to UNRWA, which was transferred early this week, on 15th of this month.”
On July 16th, Ambassador Ravindra also addressed the UNSC Open Debate on “Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.” He went on to say that India has actively supported and sought to reform key global institutions, including the UN, Bretton Woods System and the World Trade Organization, while promoting the Global South’s influence in international platforms.
Furthermore, according to him, India has launched initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, joined the Alliance for Multilateralism, and plays an engaged role in the G-20. India’s approach emphasized strengthening cooperative multilateralism through a rules-based framework.
“Upholding multilateralism and the UN-centered international system need more serious efforts than tokenism,” he added. “We have always sought responsible and inclusive solutions to global challenges, guided by dialogue and cooperation, mutual respect and commitment to international law. This approach, to our mind, is a sine qua non for a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.”
