India reaffirmed its steadfast support for a two-state solution and Palestine's membership of the United Nations at the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) in Brussels on 14 July. The declaration came as senior Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA), represented New Delhi at the high-level gathering jointly convened by the European Commission and the Palestinian Authority.

India's Position at the PDG Meeting

At the Brussels meeting, Ranganathan underlined India's identity as a 'long-standing partner of the Palestinian people,' reiterating support for both a negotiated two-state settlement and Palestine's full UN membership. The meeting drew participation from European Union member states, Palestinian representatives, and key international financial institutions.

According to the MEA, she 'emphasised that India has been a long-standing partner of the Palestinian people, and reaffirmed India's continued support to a two-state solution, as well as to Palestine's membership of the UN.'

Developmental Assistance and New Projects

Ranganathan detailed India's ongoing developmental footprint in Palestine, noting that New Delhi's projects are 'demand-driven and largely centred on healthcare, education, capacity building, and vocational training.' She announced several new initiatives focused on rehabilitation, health, education, and vocational training, adding to existing major programmes in healthcare, women's empowerment, and institution building.

Notably, the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, had last month flagged that a significant new project — the construction of a hospital in the West Bank — was close to commencing. He said India had 'implemented a lot of projects on the ground in Palestine' and described New Delhi as 'heavily invested in the peace process.'

India's Support for UNRWA

On the sidelines of the PDG meeting, Ranganathan also attended a session hosted by the incoming Chair of the Advisory Commission of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. There, she highlighted India's continued backing for the agency and its humanitarian operations in Palestine. The MEA stated that 'India remains a dedicated partner that contributes tangibly towards meeting the humanitarian needs of the people of Palestine.'

Broader Context

India's reaffirmation at Brussels comes amid sustained international pressure on donor nations to step up both humanitarian and diplomatic support for Palestine. New Delhi has consistently voted in favour of pro-Palestine resolutions at the United Nations, and its development partnership — spanning decades — predates the current crisis. This is the second ministerial-level convening of the PDG, signalling growing multilateral urgency around Palestinian reconstruction and statehood. India's participation at this level reflects its bid to remain a credible voice in the Global South on the Palestine question, even as it balances ties with Western partners and regional actors.

The MEA's public statement following the meeting signals that India intends to deepen, not merely maintain, its engagement — with new project announcements reinforcing that diplomatic posture with on-the-ground commitments.