India's commitment to the Palestinian cause remains strong, with developmental assistance reaching close to a record $80 million in the last 11 years. This figure is almost double the amount provided in the preceding 65 years, demonstrating India's increased support for Palestine in recent times.
India has historically been a firm supporter of Palestine, with these relations being significantly influenced by the shared experience of struggling against British colonialism. In 1974, India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Later, in 1988, India was among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine.
Despite increasing cooperation with Israel, India has maintained its support for the Palestinian cause. India's foreign policy has long included support for a two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign, independent, viable, and united State of Palestine, existing peacefully alongside Israel.
India provides aid to Palestine through bilateral channels and via contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Despite some challenges, India has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. India contributes $5 million annually to UNRWA and has provided $27.5 million to the agency since 2020-21. Since 2002, India has contributed a total of $36.5 million to UNRWA until 2022-23. In July 2024, India released US$2.5 million to UNRWA as part of its annual contribution.
India's developmental assistance to Palestine since 2014 is almost double what was given in the preceding 65 years (around $42 million), with projects worth $40 million in the pipeline. These projects include the construction of an Indoor Multipurpose Sports Complex in Ramallah, the Cardio-Thoracic Unit of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society's Al Quds hospital in Gaza, the Atta Habib Medical Center in Gaza, and a Rehabilitation Centre for People with Mental Disabilities in Nablus.
In addition to financial aid, India has also provided budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority. This includes a contribution of $10 million made in March 2009 and another $10 million following a visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to New Delhi. India has also offered a Line of Credit worth USD 50 Million to Palestine for implementing developmental and sustainable projects.
India has also played a proactive role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause in multilateral forums. During its terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, India voiced its support for a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, within secure and recognized borders, at peace beside Israel. India has consistently supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly Resolutions securing the right to self-determination of Palestinians.
India's commitment to Palestine is also reflected in cultural exchange programs. The India-Palestine Youth Exchange Programme, initiated in 2017, involves youth delegations visiting both countries. Furthermore, India has increased its annual training slots under its ITEC training program from 40 to 100 for Palestinians.
