Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, visiting India, met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday to discuss regional developments and bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction over the meeting, stating that discussions focused on the Gaza peace plan and other regional developments.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “It was a pleasure to meet Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. We exchanged views on the Gaza peace plan and regional developments. We also reviewed our development cooperation and agreed on initiatives to further strengthen it.”
Palestine urges India to mediate
Earlier, Palestine had requested India to play a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict and take an active part in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. Speaking to PTI Video ahead of her visit to attend the second meeting of Arab and Indian foreign ministers, Shahin noted that India’s balanced relations with both Palestine and Israel position it well as a mediator and facilitator.
India as a bridge for peace
The minister highlighted India’s potential role in promoting peace during the upcoming meeting, co-chaired by India and the UAE, scheduled for 31 January with participation from all 22 Arab League member states. “India is a great country and can play a significant role. Being a friend to both Palestine and Israel allows India to act as a bridge between the two. The ultimate goal is to establish peace that respects both parties, international law, and its underlying principles,” Shahin said.
Immediate assistance needed in Gaza
Shahin also urged India to actively participate in the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza and support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). She stressed that due to the extensive destruction caused by Israeli military operations since October 2023, Gaza requires immediate humanitarian assistance.
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