New Delhi should make a “stronger statement” against US President Donald Trump’s announcement that officially recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital, Arab ambassadors have told top Indian officials, The Indian Express reported on Friday.
Arab ambassadors expressed their “deep concern” and “disappointment” with India’s “lack of condemnation”, during a meeting with officials led by Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar. India had said that its position on Palestine was not determined by a third country. “India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
On December 6, Trump overturned decades of US policy towards the West Asian region by formally recognising Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. Trump also said the US Embassy would be relocated to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. The announcement sparked protests across Palestine.
Sources The Indian Express spoke to said Palestine has also conveyed to India, through diplomatic channels, to “walk the talk”, referring to statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas’ (pictured above) visit to India earlier this year.
Indian officials, however, told the Arab leaders that New Delhi will not take a stance on a “position dictated by a third country”. “We told them our policies are based on our principles and reiterated our long-standing position,” the newspaper quoted a source as saying.
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