India Says It India Has Strengthened Humanitarian and Developmental Support to Palestine
SRINAGAR: India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people of Palestine through extensive financial and developmental assistance, with ongoing projects aimed at improving living conditions and access to essential services.
According to information provided by the Ministry of External Affairs in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on February 7, 2025, India has contributed close to USD 160 million in various forms of aid to Palestine over the years. Currently, developmental projects worth around USD 40 million are underway to enhance infrastructure and public services. Additionally, India has been a consistent donor to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with total contributions amounting to USD 39.53 million since 2002.
Beyond financial assistance, the response said that India has extended humanitarian relief to Palestine, particularly in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. In 2023, India sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth approximately USD 2 million.
This was followed by another tranche in October and November 2024, when India provided nearly 65 tonnes of anti-cancer medicines, emergency medical supplies, and general healthcare items valued at over USD 2.5 million. The aid package included a range of essential medicines such as antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-cancer drugs, and surgical kits. India has also been facilitating capacity-building programmes for Palestinians, offering 168 training slots annually under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and 50 scholarships through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). (Agencies)
