Tel Aviv/New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, India has joined a group of over 100 countries at the United Nations in criticising Israel’s unilateral actions in the West Bank, marking what observers are calling a major foreign policy turnaround just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel.
Initially, when a joint statement was issued on February 17 by 85 nations, India’s name was missing from the list. However, in a surprising development, India added its support late on February 18, just before the deadline, shocking diplomatic circles and drawing widespread attention.
The joint declaration was read out at the United Nations by Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, accompanied by diplomats from dozens of signatory countries.
Joint Statement Condemns Israel’s “Unilateral Decisions”
In the statement, the countries strongly condemned what they described as Israel’s efforts to expand its presence in the occupied West Bank.
“We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding its illegal presence in the West Bank,” Mansour said.
The declaration also rejected any steps that could alter the demographic and political status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
“We oppose any attempt to change the demographic composition, character, or status of the occupied Palestinian territory since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” the statement added.
Why the West Bank Issue Has Escalated
The controversy has intensified after Israel reportedly began procedures to declare large portions of the West Bank as “state land,” a move that the international community views as a step toward further occupation of Palestinian territory.
Following the Gaza ceasefire, Israel’s parliament (Knesset) is said to have passed proposals aimed at strengthening Israeli control over West Bank areas classified as “A” and “B,” which have been managed by the Palestinian Authority since the Oslo Accords (1993–1995).
Reports indicate that Israel has also removed restrictions on land purchases by outsiders in these regions and has initiated document verification processes, raising concerns of possible displacement of local residents.
Global Bloc Includes EU, BRICS and QUAD Nations
The list of countries criticising Israel includes major international blocs such as the European Union, the League of Arab States, and several BRICS members including Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa.
Notably, even India’s QUAD partners Australia and Japan were part of the statement. Neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, and Pakistan also signed the declaration.
India Faced Criticism for Initially Staying Away
India’s initial absence from the list had sparked criticism from former Indian diplomats and foreign policy experts.
Former Indian Ambassador to Iran K.C. Singh described India’s absence as “regrettable,” questioning whether New Delhi was openly aligning with Israel and whether the move was linked to strengthening relations with the United States.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao also raised concerns, stating that strategic autonomy should expand India’s options rather than weaken its moral stance.
Move Gains Attention Ahead of Modi’s Israel Visit
The diplomatic shift comes at a sensitive time, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel on February 25–26, a visit confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
India’s decision to support the UN statement signals that despite close ties with Israel, New Delhi continues to uphold its long-standing position on the Palestinian issue and opposition to unilateral changes in occupied territories.
The statement also warned that such Israeli measures violate international law, undermine peace efforts, and threaten hopes of reaching a long-term settlement.
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