India on Friday clarified that its decision to associate with a United Nations statement criticising Israeli settlement plans in the West Bank was consistent with its long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution.The clarification came after New Delhi initially skipped a joint appearance with several countries at the UN but later joined a statement issued in New York condemning unilateral measures altering the status of Palestinian territories.Responding to queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the text was not a negotiated UN resolution but a statement issued by a group of countries, and India associated itself with it in line with its previously articulated position.“Our position was recently expressed in the India-Arab League Ministerial joint statement. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on international law, relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative,” he said.Support for PalestineThe spokesperson reiterated India’s support for “a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine based on 1967 borders living side by side in peace with Israel” and the protection of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. He added that several countries had similarly associated themselves with the initiative after it was issued.Earlier, UN missions from 85 member states had condemned what they described as Israel’s expanding control in the West Bank, warning it could amount to de facto annexation. The statement urged Israel to reverse unilateral steps and cautioned that such actions violated international law and undermined prospects for peace.According to the Palestinian authorities, more than 100 states and international organisations eventually joined the statement, including India.The text rejected measures altering the demographic composition, character and status of territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and warned they jeopardised efforts towards a negotiated settlement.India has historically supported a negotiated two-state solution involving Israel and Palestine, while maintaining diplomatic engagement with both sides. Officials indicated that associating with the statement reflected continuity in policy rather than a shift in position.