India commits Palestine all round help

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday held talks with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas in New Delhi on wide ranging issues and committed New Delhi’s help for establishing a sovereign, independent, feasible, and United States of Palestine along with peace with Israel.

“India will continue to do all it can to assist Palestine in all its endeavours, comprising capacity building,” said Dr. Singh while laying the foundation stone for the Embassy of Palestine in New Delhi accompanied by Abbas.

He said the settlement should be based according to relevant UN resolutions, Arab peace plan and roadmap of the United Nations and the triplet countries— the US, the European Union and Russia.

The two leaders also discussed in length about the West Asia peace process with Palestinian President apprised Singh about the latest developments. They also discussed to enhance cooperation between India and Palestine.

Manmohan Singh later announced an aid of USD 20 million to the Palestine of which USD 10 million will meet the budgetary needs and another USD 10 million as assistance for developmental projects.

India and Palestine also signed an agreement under which India will construct a school in the name of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in Abu Dees in Palestine.

Earlier in the morning, after receiving ceremonial reception and the guard of honour at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan, Abbas expressed gratitude to India for its resolute support for the Palestinian cause and said the relation between India and Palestine have always been cordial and progressing with the time.

Nodding his agreement in the political field with India, Abbas said: “India is playing a significant role in all fields (concerning Palestine), including the peace process... We appreciate India's support.”

President Abbas also met with President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani and other leaders. President Patil will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

This is Abbas’ second visit to India after becoming President. Earlier in 2005 he had visited India.