In a significant move reflecting its continued support for a two-state solution, India has joined 141 other nations in voting in favor of a United Nations General Assembly declaration aimed at establishing a Palestinian state. This endorsement of the "New York Declaration" signifies a renewed international push for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, albeit one that excludes the involvement of Hamas.

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the declaration, which outlines "tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps" toward a two-state solution. The resolution garnered 142 votes in favor, with 10 countries, including Israel and the United States, voting against it. Twelve countries abstained.

The declaration, crafted by France and Saudi Arabia, seeks to revive efforts toward a lasting peace by explicitly excluding Hamas from governance in Gaza. It calls for Hamas to relinquish its weapons and end its rule in Gaza, paving the way for the Palestinian Authority to assume control with international support. The declaration also condemns Hamas's attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, and demands the release of all hostages.

India's vote in favor of the declaration aligns with its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. India was one of the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. India has also consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign and independent State of Palestine existing peacefully alongside Israel.

Despite its support for the Palestinian cause, India has also deepened its ties with Israel in recent years. This has led to some shifts in India's voting patterns at the UN, with instances of abstention on resolutions critical of Israel. However, India's recent vote in favor of the New York Declaration signals a reaffirmation of its commitment to a two-state solution and its willingness to play a constructive role in the peace process.

The New York Declaration has been welcomed by the State of Palestine, which praised Saudi Arabia and France for their leadership in promoting the resolution. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed gratitude to all countries that supported the resolution, calling on member states to implement the declaration's outcomes and pressure Israel to halt its aggression and end its occupation.

The adoption of the New York Declaration comes ahead of a UN summit co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to formally recognize the Palestinian state. Several other countries are also expected to make similar pledges, further bolstering international support for Palestinian statehood.

While the New York Declaration represents a significant step forward, challenges remain in achieving a lasting peace. Israel has rejected the resolution, with some officials calling it a "political circus detached from reality". The exclusion of Hamas from the peace process also raises questions about the long-term viability of any agreement.

Despite these challenges, the overwhelming support for the New York Declaration at the UN General Assembly demonstrates a clear international consensus on the need for a two-state solution. India's vote in favor of the declaration underscores its continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and its belief that a negotiated settlement is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.