India did not join a joint statement by 85 countries at the United Nations that criticized Israel’s recent plans to tighten control over the West Bank. The statement was supported by key groups including the League of Arab States, the European Union, BRICS members Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, India’s Quad partners Australia and Japan, and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Pakistan. This joint statement came just before a UN meeting on the issue and the U.S.-led Board of Peace meeting in Washington. India’s decision marks a departure from its past actions, such as its vote at the UN in October 2025 condemning Israel’s illegal annexation of Palestinian territory and the Delhi Declaration in January 2026 backing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. The External Affairs Ministry has not commented on why India chose this position. Observers suggest this move is tied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Israel on February 25-26. At the UN stakeout where the joint statement was released, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour declared, “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank.” He also said, “We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation,” and rejected actions that change the demographic and political status of Palestinian territory seized since 1967. Recent Israeli Knesset laws aim to increase control in areas of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority management, including easing land acquisition and checking resident documentation. Critics say these steps violate international law and threaten peace talks. India’s absence from the statement drew criticism online. Former Ambassador K.C. Singh said it was “regrettable that India has chosen Israeli corner so blatantly” and questioned whether India’s ties with the U.S. influenced the stance. Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao wrote, “Strategic autonomy was meant to expand India’s choices, not shrink its moral vocabulary.” In late January, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the League of Arab States and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, but it is unclear if Modi’s visit to Israel or future visits to Palestine were discussed. The trip to Israel will be Modi’s first since July 2017, following a delayed visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India. Modi’s trip also follows the recent release of the “Epstein files” in the U.S., which included denied claims involving Modi during Donald Trump’s previous tenure. Published - February 18, 2026 10:49 pm IST