Speaking at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Pledging Conference on 30 June 2026, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and highlighted the indispensable role of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in delivering humanitarian assistance.
– India announced continued financial support to the agency, stressed the need to address its operational challenges, and reiterated its commitment to a negotiated two State solution.
- India thanked the conference organisers and acknowledged the remarks of the UN Secretary General and the ad interim UNRWA Commissioner General.
- India noted that despite the recent ceasefire in West Asia, the humanitarian situation remains highly fragile, particularly in Gaza.
- It highlighted the continued suffering of Palestinians, including civilian casualties, mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and acute shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and essential services.
- India stressed that Palestinians deserve the same opportunity to live normal lives as people elsewhere.
- India reaffirmed that UNRWA remains central to providing education, healthcare, social services, emergency relief, and protection to millions of Palestinian refugees.
- The statement praised UNRWA’s long standing contributions, particularly in the health and education sectors.
- India said its engagement with UNRWA is guided by unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their humanitarian needs.
- India has provided approximately USD 175 million in assistance to Palestine, including USD 40 million in development projects currently under implementation.
- India has supplied around 150 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medicines and disaster relief materials, over the past three years.
- India announced that it will soon deliver another shipment of life saving medicines following a request from Palestine.
- India described UNRWA as a key development partner that complements its bilateral assistance initiatives.
- India has contributed around USD 52 million to UNRWA to date.
- India recently announced a USD 5 million contribution to UNRWA for 2026 and has already disbursed the first USD 2.5 million tranche.
- India pledged to continue supporting UNRWA through sustained engagement and cooperation.
- India acknowledged that UNRWA faces serious financial and operational challenges that must be addressed urgently.
- India emphasised that UNRWA personnel should continue carrying out their mandate with professionalism, neutrality, and full adherence to UN rules and regulations.
- India reaffirmed its support for a negotiated two State solution, leading to an independent, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine living alongside Israel in peace and security.