India Reaffirms Support for Palestine’s Full UN Membership

New Delhi: India has once again reaffirmed its support for granting full membership to Palestine in the United Nations (UN). During a UN meeting, Shriya Ranganathan, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that India has consistently supported the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
She reiterated that India firmly supports a Two-State Solution, under which Israel and Palestine can live side by side as peaceful and secure neighbours within internationally recognized borders, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
India’s Consistent Stand Since Independence
Although governments have changed over the decades, India’s policy on Palestine has remained consistent since its independence in 1947. Successive governments, regardless of political affiliation, have supported the Palestinian cause and backed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. India has also voted in favour of Palestine on numerous occasions at the United Nations.
What Does Full UN Membership Mean?
If Palestine is granted full UN membership, it would:
Become a full-fledged member state of the United Nations.
Gain voting rights in the UN General Assembly.
Enjoy greater participation and influence in UN bodies and agencies.
Receive stronger international recognition of its sovereignty.
Be able to participate more fully in international treaties and global institutions.
At present, Palestine holds the status of a Non-Member Observer State, a designation granted by the UN General Assembly in 2012. This status allows it to participate in debates and meetings but does not give it voting rights in the General Assembly.
Why Has Palestine Not Become a Full UN Member Yet?
To become a full UN member, an application must first receive a recommendation from the UN Security Council and then be approved by a two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly. However, the United States has repeatedly used its veto power in the Security Council to block Palestine’s bid for full membership.
How Many Countries Are Members of the United Nations?
The United Nations currently has 193 member states. In addition, there are two non-member observer entities:
The Holy See (Vatican City)
The State of Palestine
If Palestine is granted full membership, it would become the 194th member state of the United Nations.
India’s latest statement once again underscores its long-standing commitment to a peaceful, just, and negotiated Two-State Solution for resolving the Israel–Palestine conflict.