NEW DELHI, Thursday, November 29, 2018 (WAFA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on Thursday his country’s solidary and support for Palestinian independence.

In a statement marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Modi said that he takes this occasion “to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, independent and united State of Palestine co-existing peacefully with the State of Israel.”

Modi added: “Historical ties between India and Palestine have further strengthened in recent years. My visit to Palestine in February this year was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine. The visit was an assertion of India’s strong commitment for the development of Palestine and led to significant outcomes to further India-Palestine development partnership.”

India has announced this year an increase in the annual scholarships for Palestinian students, six new projects including construction of a specialty hospital, women empowerment center, national printing press and schools and an increase in its annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

“Our financial and technical assistance is an expression of our strong resolve to strengthen Palestinian institutions,” said the Indian prime minister, who expressed hope “for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

Modi extended his and the Indian people’s “best wishes to the friendly people of Palestine in their pursuit of statehood, peace and prosperity.”

M.K.