Palestine Sees India as a Potential Bridge for Peace in the Israel–Palestine Conflict
As the decades-old Israel–Palestine conflict continues to destabilize West Asia, calls for renewed and credible international mediation are growing louder across the world. In this context, Palestine has expressed strong confidence in India’s diplomatic influence, signaling a belief that New Delhi could play a constructive role in breaking the deadlock.
During her recent visit to New Delhi, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, made a significant statement highlighting India’s potential as a mediator in the complex and sensitive conflict. She emphasized that India’s long-standing and balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine uniquely position it to act as a credible interlocutor.
Speaking to PTI-Video on the sidelines of the second meeting of foreign ministers from India and Arab nations, Shaheen formally urged India to consider mediation efforts between Israel and Palestine. She also appealed to New Delhi to take an active role in reconstruction initiatives in war-ravaged Gaza. According to her, India’s ability to maintain cordial ties with both sides gives it the moral and diplomatic leverage required to facilitate dialogue and negotiations.
The upcoming India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates and scheduled for January 31, is expected to see participation from all 22 member states of the Arab League. Calling India “a great country,” Shaheen noted that being a friend to both Israel and Palestine places India in a natural position to serve as a bridge between the two rivals.
She underlined that the ultimate goal of any mediation effort must be the establishment of lasting peace—one rooted in mutual dignity, respect for international law, and adherence to universally accepted principles. Beyond diplomacy, Palestine also sought India’s support for humanitarian causes, including the reconstruction of Gaza and continued assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Shaheen stressed that Gaza urgently needs international aid, especially in light of the widespread destruction caused by Israeli military operations since October 2023.
Diplomatic Circles Abuzz: Is India’s Role Set to Evolve?
So far, India has maintained what it describes as a “balanced approach” to the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism, while simultaneously reaffirming India’s support for humanitarian assistance to Palestine and its long-standing backing of a sovereign Palestinian state. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly stated that India stands for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Shaheen’s proposal places India at an important crossroads. Stepping into a mediatory role would not only test India’s diplomatic agility but also offer it an opportunity to reinforce its image as a responsible global actor and a leading voice of the Global South. Whether New Delhi chooses to expand its role remains to be seen, but the invitation itself reflects growing international expectations from India on the world stage.