LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2716
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018
JERUSALEM AS CAPITAL
2716. DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA::
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the USA has recognised Jerusalem as part of Israel and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether India has taken any diplomatic stand in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether India still continues to recognise the Palestine cause vis-a-vis its independence and sovereignty; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and reasons for the continuance or non-continuance of the earlier foreign policy?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M. J. AKBAR)
(a) Yes. On 6 December 2017, US President Donald Trump announced that the US is officially recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. He also stated that the US will begin preparation to move their Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
(b) to (d) Government has stated that "India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests and not determined by any third country”. India believes that the solution to the Palestinian issue should be based on
relevant UN Resolutions resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel. India has voted in favour of a resolution co-sponsored by Turkey and Yemen on
Status of Jerusalem brought at UNGA on 21 December 2017.
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