India hopes for the early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable two-state solution

India has welcomed the signing of the Abraham Accords between the United States, Israel, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has, however, reiterated its call for a two-state solution for the betterment of the Palestinians.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India has always supported peace and stability in West Asia in the extended neighborhood. “As such, we welcome these agreements for normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain,” he said.

The MEA spokesperson stated that New Delhi will also continue its traditional support for the Palestinian cause. He said India hopes for the early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable two-state solution.

The Abraham Accords is a historic agreement which is aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab countries. UAE and Bahrain, under the Abraham Accords, will normalize their relations with Israel and expand engagements in politics, security, trade and connectivity.

In coming days more Arab states are expected to ink similar agreements with Israel, while some countries like Saudi Arabia have said they stand with the Palestinian people and sought a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the accord as historic and thanked the US President Donald Trump for unequivocally standing by Israel’s side. “You have proposed a realistic vision for peace between Israel and Palestinians. And you have successfully brokered the historic peace that we signed today,” Netanyahu said.