'2-state solution key to end West Asia crisis'

In Rajya Sabha, EAM S Jaishankar says India supports a "sovereign, independent and sustainable" Palestine State

- RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR @ New Delhi

EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said India supports a two-State solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the idea of a "sovereign, independent and sustainable" Palestinian State coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

"We have been public and unambiguous about that. There should be no cause for confusion regarding a two-State solution," Jaishankar said in the Rajya Sabha.

Answering questions on India's stance on the conflict, he said, "We condemn terrorism and hostage-taking. We do believe countries have the right to respond to the situation, but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. They must observe humanitarian law, and we would like a ceasefire and an early end to violence."