India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P Harish, on Tuesday, 29 July delivered a strong message of solidarity with Palestinians at the UN Security Council, switching from English to Arabic mid-speech — in what is reportedly the first time an Indian diplomat has addressed the Council in Arabic. Harish reaffirmed India's commitment to a two-state solution that grants Palestinians 'a sovereign, independent and viable' nation.

A Historic Diplomatic Moment

Harish, who studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo and is fluent in the language, made the switch during a Security Council debate on the Middle East. When he transitioned to Arabic, UN interpreters simultaneously rendered his remarks into the other five official languages — English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.

The gesture was deliberate. Speaking in Arabic was intended to send a direct message of reassurance to the Palestinian people of India's continued backing for their rights and their cause of statehood. Harish also has a personal connection to the region, having previously served as India's Representative to the Palestinian Authority, stationed in Gaza City — a city now devastated by ongoing Israeli military operations.

On the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

'World's focus on the Strait of Hormuz must not divert our attention away from the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,' Harish said. He stressed that 'the loss of civilian lives and destruction of civilian infrastructure are pressing concerns that the international community must act on immediately, with a deep sense of urgency.'

According to UN figures, Israeli retaliatory operations in Gaza — launched following a Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 — have killed approximately 73,000 people, including 38,000 women and girls.

India's Financial and Humanitarian Commitments

Harish outlined India's substantial material support for Palestine. India has provided approximately $175 million in development assistance, covering development projects, humanitarian aid, the construction of the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy, and contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) — for which India is now a top contributor. Harish himself has previously served with UNRWA.

At the Palestine donor group meeting in Brussels this month, India committed to establishing a speciality hospital, an artificial limb fitment centre, and a vocational training institute for Palestine.

India's Position on a Political Solution

'India believes that a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognised borders, is essential to a comprehensive and lasting solution,' Harish said, continuing in Arabic.

He added that even as efforts to alleviate humanitarian distress continue, the international community must simultaneously press ahead for 'a sustainable and durable political solution.' This comes amid persistent international pressure on both Israel and its backers to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza and to revive stalled peace negotiations.

India's articulation of this position at the Security Council — delivered in Arabic, directly addressing the Palestinian people — marks a notable sharpening of New Delhi's diplomatic posture on the conflict.