India Joins Global Criticism of Israel's West Bank Measures

India has recently aligned itself with a coalition of countries condemning Israel's unilateral actions in the West Bank. On February 17, 2026, India signed a statement that criticized Israel's measures aimed at expanding its presence in the region. This statement was initially endorsed by 85 countries, including members of the League of Arab States, the European Union, and BRICS nations such as Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as India’s Quad partners Australia and Japan, and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Pakistan. The joint statement was presented by the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, and emphasized strong opposition to any form of annexation of Palestinian territories.

The Hindu

The criticism comes in light of recent legislative actions by the Israeli Knesset, which have sought to tighten control over land in the Palestinian West Bank. These measures include the removal of restrictions on land acquisition by outsiders and increased scrutiny of documentation for current residents, actions perceived as precursors to annexation. The statement from the coalition asserted that such measures violate international law and undermine peace efforts in the region.

The Hindu

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour stated, “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” highlighting the rejection of actions that alter the demographic and legal status of occupied territories. The joint statement further articulated that these actions jeopardize the prospects for a peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The Hindu

India's initial absence from the original statement drew criticism from various diplomats and commentators. Former Ambassador to Iran K.C. Singh described India's prior stance as “regrettable,” suggesting it indicated a shift towards supporting Israeli positions. Nirupama Menon Rao, a former Foreign Secretary, expressed concern that India's strategic autonomy was being compromised, stating, “If autonomy turns into avoidance of normative positions altogether, it starts looking less like independence and more like hedging.”

The Hindu

The backdrop of India's recent statement coincides with discussions regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel, his first since July 2017. There is speculation about whether this visit will also include a trip to Palestine, similar to his previous engagements. The evolving diplomatic landscape suggests that India's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict may continue to develop in response to both domestic and international pressures.

The Hindu

• “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” — Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN

The Hindu

• “Strategic autonomy was meant to expand India’s choices, not shrink its moral vocabulary.” — Nirupama Menon Rao, Former Foreign Secretary

The Hindu

• “regrettable that India has chosen Israeli corner so blatantly” — K.C. Singh, Former Ambassador to Iran

The Hindu