India Votes for UN’s ‘New York Declaration’
India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration,” which lays out concrete, time-bound steps toward a two-state solution and the recognition of a Palestinian state. The resolution was adopted on 12 September at the UN headquarters in New York with 142 votes in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions. The United States and Israel were among those opposing the resolution.
Declaration Background
The declaration was the outcome of a high-level international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in July 2025. It called for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible” measures to establish two states, urged reforms to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s governance, and supported measures to stabilize Gaza. It also condemned the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, demanded the release of hostages, and pressed for Hamas to disarm and cede control of Gaza to a reformed Palestinian Authority with international backing.
India’s Stand
India’s support for the resolution aligns with its long-standing position favouring a negotiated two-state solution. New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, and its vote placed it among the majority seeking to revive political negotiations after months of conflict around Gaza.
Political Significance
Although the resolution is non-binding, it carries significant political weight ahead of the upcoming UN high-level week later in September. Supporters of the declaration argue it provides a structured roadmap with accountability for both sides, including halting settlement expansions and annexations. Some provisions also suggest the possibility of an interim international mission to help stabilize Gaza and oversee security arrangements.
Opposition to the Resolution
The countries voting against the declaration argued it was one-sided and undermined direct negotiations. However, proponents stressed that it creates a clear diplomatic framework and prevents the peace process from being derailed by endless open-ended talks. With the declaration now adopted, the focus will shift to whether member states will act on its provisions in the months ahead.
