India Attends Board of Peace for Gaza Meeting as Observer, Reiterates Support for Two-State Solution

YUGCHARAN / February 21, 2026

India on Thursday clarified its participation in the recently held meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza in Washington D.C., stating that the country attended the deliberations strictly in the capacity of an observer. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underlined that India’s presence did not signal any shift in its long-standing diplomatic position on the Israel–Palestine conflict, while firmly reiterating its support for the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state within internationally recognised parameters.

Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to advocate a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, rooted in the two-state solution. He emphasised that New Delhi remains committed to a vision of peace where Israel and Palestine coexist side by side, within secure and recognised borders.

The clarification came a day after reports emerged that an Indian diplomat had participated in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza, a newly constituted international platform aimed at exploring pathways for de-escalation, humanitarian relief, and long-term stability in the Gaza region. The meeting, held in Washington D.C., brought together representatives from multiple countries and international stakeholders concerned about the prolonged humanitarian crisis and ongoing hostilities in the region.

India’s Role as an Observer

According to the MEA, India’s participation as an observer was intended to better understand the perspectives being discussed at the forum and to remain informed about emerging international initiatives related to Gaza. Officials stressed that observer status does not imply endorsement of all views expressed at the meeting, nor does it involve any binding commitments.

“India’s presence was purely in an observer capacity,” Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that New Delhi believes constructive engagement and dialogue are essential to any credible peace process. He noted that India has consistently supported international efforts that seek to reduce violence, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance, provided such efforts respect international law and established diplomatic principles.

The spokesperson further stated that India’s approach has always been guided by balance and restraint, reflecting its historical ties with both Israel and Palestine. While India maintains strong bilateral relations with Israel across multiple sectors, including technology, agriculture, and defence, it has also been a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause on international platforms.

Reaffirming Support for Palestine

Reiterating India’s position on the Palestinian issue, the MEA spokesperson said New Delhi stands for the establishment of a “sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” This position, he noted, has been articulated repeatedly at the United Nations and other multilateral forums over the years.

India’s support for the Palestinian people is not limited to diplomatic statements alone. The country has consistently provided humanitarian assistance, capacity-building support, and development aid to Palestine. Indian officials highlighted that such assistance reflects India’s belief in the right of the Palestinian people to live with dignity, security, and self-determination.

At the same time, India has condemned acts of terrorism and violence targeting civilians on all sides of the conflict, maintaining that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue rather than force. The MEA reiterated that civilian lives must be protected and that humanitarian access should never be politicised or obstructed.

Context of the Board of Peace for Gaza

The Board of Peace for Gaza is understood to be an international consultative initiative aimed at exploring diplomatic and humanitarian strategies to address the crisis in Gaza, which has witnessed repeated cycles of violence, large-scale displacement, and severe humanitarian distress. While details of the board’s mandate and future meetings remain limited, diplomatic sources indicate that it seeks to bring together diverse voices to discuss ceasefire mechanisms, reconstruction efforts, and political pathways toward peace.

India’s decision to attend the first meeting as an observer aligns with its broader foreign policy approach of engaging with international initiatives while preserving strategic autonomy. Officials pointed out that India often adopts observer roles in new multilateral or plurilateral mechanisms during their initial stages, allowing it to assess their objectives, credibility, and potential impact before considering deeper involvement.

Balancing Diplomatic Relationships

India’s stance reflects a careful balancing act in a region marked by deep political sensitivities. Over the past decade, India has significantly strengthened its ties with Israel, particularly in areas such as defence cooperation, innovation, and trade. At the same time, it has maintained robust relations with Arab nations and continued its support for the Palestinian cause.

Foreign policy analysts note that this balanced approach has allowed India to retain credibility with multiple stakeholders in West Asia. By reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution while participating as an observer in peace-oriented discussions, India signals its willingness to contribute constructively without compromising its established principles.

The MEA spokesperson also underlined that India believes any durable solution to the conflict must emerge from direct negotiations between the concerned parties. External initiatives, he said, can play a supportive role but cannot substitute for meaningful dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians themselves.

International Reactions and Implications

India’s clarification was closely watched by the international community, particularly given the heightened global attention on the Gaza conflict. Diplomatic observers believe New Delhi’s statement was aimed at preventing misinterpretation of its role and avoiding speculation about a possible policy shift.

By clearly stating its observer status and restating its traditional position, India appears to be reinforcing policy continuity rather than charting a new course. This clarity is likely to be welcomed by partners in the Global South, many of whom view India as an important voice advocating dialogue, restraint, and respect for international law.

Experts also point out that India’s consistent messaging strengthens its image as a responsible global actor that prioritises peace and humanitarian concerns over short-term political considerations.

Way Forward

As the situation in Gaza remains fragile, India has indicated that it will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with international partners where appropriate. The MEA reiterated that New Delhi stands ready to support efforts aimed at reducing suffering and promoting stability, provided they are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with international norms.

For now, India’s participation in the Board of Peace for Gaza remains limited to observation. However, officials did not rule out future engagement if the initiative evolves into a credible platform that contributes meaningfully to peace and humanitarian relief.

In reaffirming its support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, India has once again underscored a position it has held for decades — one that emphasises peaceful coexistence, mutual recognition, and the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. As global efforts to address the crisis continue, India’s balanced and principled approach is likely to remain a key feature of its West Asia policy.