MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday said the United Nations joint statement India signed was not a “negotiated document” that condemned Israel’s West Bank expansion.The foreign ministry said New Delhi’s stand on the expansion issue was already expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting that laid out a broader vision for deeper two-way ties, pitched for a sovereign and viable Palestine state living side-by-side with Israel. The meeting had also stressed the need for conducting international relations based on the UN charter.”The statement referred to was not a negotiated document. Our position on this particular issue was expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting joint statement,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.The bureaucrat’s statement broadly implies that India did not participate in drafting or agreeing to that specific joint statement condemning Israel’s West Bank expansion. Therefore, it does not reflect India’s formally agreed diplomatic position.India was among more than 100 countries and international organisations that condemned Israel’s ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the West Bank in a joint statement at the UN, saying such measures violated international law and undermined the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.India endorsed the statement late on Wednesday, just before the deadline for joint condemnation lapsed. The statement comes ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel next week, during which he’s also likely to address the Israeli Parliament.”We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” the statement said. “Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed,” it said.It strongly opposed any form of annexation. “We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” it added.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Paradox: Tharoor Lauds AI Summit While Youth Stages Shirtless Protest at VenueEx-Pakistan PM Imran Khan Turned Down Two Serious Offers To Get Released From Jail, Claims IslamabadAfter Tariff Reset, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Signals India-US Trade Deal By April 2026Meet Ranvir Sachdeva, The 8-Year-Old Speaker At India AI Summit Who Met Sundar Pichai, Sam AltmanPM Modi-Trump Meeting Speculation Grows As US Envoy Sergio Gor Drops Massive Hint, Says ‘Stay Tuned”With Pax Silica, We Say No To Economic Blackmail’, Says US As India Signs Strategic Tech PactUS Calls India’s Role Strategic, Essential As Pax Silica Entry Marks Strategic Shift In AI, Semicon’AI For Cows?’: Nandan Nilekani Reveals How PM Modi’s AI Vision For Cows Became Amul’s Sarlaben AppPak PM Sharif Hails Trump As ‘Saviour Of South Asia’ Even As ‘Upset’ US President Flags Trade RiftFrom Invite To Isolation: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif ‘Sidelined’ At Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Summit123PhotostoriesWhy is your expensive gold and silver always wrapped in pink paper? The surprising truth behind this traditionBringing back the style: Zendaya to Margot Robbie, all the celebs who are bringing back fashion trends this seasonTop 6 tallest buildings in India in 2026Archana Puran Singh reveals how she and husband Parmeet Sethi have slept separately for ‘7 years’; “We are on a sleep divorce”Priyanka Chopra turns a film premiere into a pirate-core runway with these 3 striking outfitsIndia’s fastest Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor to open Sunday: 10 key points7 hard truths we all learn too late in life (But can use right now)Bengaluru Metro rolls out steel barricades to streamline rush-hour chaosGarlic Kheer to Anda Halwa: 5 most bizzare dishes that actually taste delicious‘CityLights’, ‘Phule’, ‘Wild Wild Punjab’; A look into Patralekhaa’s performances as she turns 36123Hot PicksIndia-US trade dealGold rate todayDelhi traffic advisoryArjun’s wedding ceremonyIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMyles GarrettDonna KelceChloe KimDeenTheGreatDetroit Pistons vs New York Knicks InjuryMumbai Coastal RoadGurgaon Girl RapeMarcus StoinisNBA Trade NewsErik Karlsson
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday said the United Nations joint statement India signed was not a “negotiated document” that condemned Israel’s West Bank expansion.The foreign ministry said New Delhi’s stand on the expansion issue was already expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting that laid out a broader vision for deeper two-way ties, pitched for a sovereign and viable Palestine state living side-by-side with Israel. The meeting had also stressed the need for conducting international relations based on the UN charter.“The statement referred to was not a negotiated document. Our position on this particular issue was expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial meeting joint statement,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.The bureaucrat’s statement broadly implies that India did not participate in drafting or agreeing to that specific joint statement condemning Israel’s West Bank expansion. Therefore, it does not reflect India’s formally agreed diplomatic position.India was among more than 100 countries and international organisations that condemned Israel’s ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the West Bank in a joint statement at the UN, saying such measures violated international law and undermined the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.India endorsed the statement late on Wednesday, just before the deadline for joint condemnation lapsed. The statement comes ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel next week, during which he’s also likely to address the Israeli Parliament.“We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” the statement said. “Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed,” it said.It strongly opposed any form of annexation. “We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” it added.
