New York: India supported a UN General Assembly resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the 80th session via video. The resolution was adopted with 145 votes in favour, five against, and six abstentions. The United States and Israel opposed the measure.
The resolution comes after the US denied visas to Palestinian officials, preventing them from attending UN meetings in person. It permits President Abbas to deliver a pre-recorded statement during the General Debate on September 25, to be introduced by a Palestinian representative physically present at the UN hall.
It also allows Palestine to submit pre-recorded statements or participate via video conference at other UN meetings and international conferences convened under the General Assembly or other UN organs if Palestinian representatives are blocked from attending.
Currently, Palestine holds the status of a non-member observer state at the UN, which allows participation in proceedings but not voting rights. The Holy See is the only other non-member observer state.
India has a long-standing commitment to Palestine, having been one of the first countries to recognize it in 1988. The government continues to support a two-State solution and has expressed regret over actions that hinder Palestine’s representation at international forums. The resolution ensures that Palestine can maintain its voice at the UN despite travel restrictions.
