S Priyamvada Nath's Egypt, Palestine Visit: India Reaffirms 'Global South' and 'Two-State Solution' Stance

India Reaffirms Commitment to Global South and Two-State Solution

S. Priyamvada Nath, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, has once again underscored India's unwavering commitment to the development of the 'Global South' and the establishment of a 'Two-State Solution' in Palestine during her six-day official visit to Egypt and Palestine. Nath's visit, which began on August 16, aims to further strengthen India's strategic ties with these nations.

In the first leg of her tour, Nath arrived in Cairo and addressed a significant conference as the chief guest, organized by the Indian Embassy and the 'Indian Council of World Affairs' (ICWA) at the Diplomatic Club. The session, themed 'India-Egypt Partnership in BRICS: A Stronger Voice for the Global South', saw her share diplomatic priorities of both countries within the expanded BRICS framework.

She also met with Khalid Manzlawi, Assistant Secretary-General of the 'League of Arab States', emphasizing the strengthening of strategic links between the Arab world and India. According to the Indian Embassy in Egypt, Nath also met with Egypt's Minister of State for Asian Affairs, Amr Hamza. During this meeting, both sides reviewed the growing strategic partnership between India and Egypt and discussed in detail ways to deepen cooperation in political, economic, and strategic sectors. The two countries also shared their views on regional and global developments.

India's Support for 'Two-State Solution' in Palestine

In the second phase of her trip, Nath reached Ramallah, the capital of Palestine, and met with Palestine's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Wossen Aghabekian Shaheen. India's Representative Office in Palestine reported that India reiterated its long-standing support for a 'Two-State Solution' through negotiations. She also stressed the importance of continuous humanitarian assistance and diplomacy to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Additionally, Secretary Nath met with Palestine's Minister of Health, Dr. Majid Abu Ramadan. The meeting focused on ways to further strengthen India's support for the Palestinian health sector. Nath highlighted India's assistance to the Palestinian health sector, including initiatives such as essential medicines, anti-cancer drugs, artificial limb camps, and the deployment of an Indian field hospital in Gaza. She also handed over a consignment of medicines to the Palestinian Ministry of Health on behalf of the Government of India. During this visit, she also toured a UNRWA health center.

Agenda for Lebanon Visit

In the final leg of her tour, S. Priyamvada Nath will visit Lebanon from August 20 to 21. During this period, she will participate in various important meetings. It is expected that these meetings will strive to build a broad consensus on critical issues such as security dynamics in the Mediterranean region, bilateral trade promotion, capacity building, and the welfare and diplomatic security of the Indian diaspora residing in Lebanon.