India reiterates commitment to cause of Palestine

India has reiterated its commitment to the cause of Palestine and has expressed solidarity with its people.

"In the NAM ministers meeting on Palestine, we reiterated our commitment to the cause of Palestine and our solaridity with cause of its people," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, said, during a press briefing.

He informed that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday had nine engagements, bilateral and multilateral meetings.

"The External Affairs Minister called on the Prime Minister of Mauritius and she had meetings with the Foreign Minister of Mexico, Norway and Belgium. In addition to these meetings, she also chaired an India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) meeting," he said.

Kumar further said the minister delivered her address at the NAM ministerial meeting on Palestine and also spoke at leadership summit on the environment pact, which was presided over by the President of France.

He added that Sushma Swaraj also attended the United Nations secretary general's meeting on select leaders on climate change.

"At the India-CARICOM meeting, which was the third such meeting, we announced an emergency aid of USD 20,00,000 to the countries, which are affected by the recent hurricanes in this reason," the spokesperson said.

"At the leadership summit on environment pact, which was presided by the French President, India said that it has been at the forefront of the debate on environment and development and also mentioned that New Delhi and Paris are working together on the international solar alliance," he added.

Kumar further said that India at the U.N. secretary general's meeting on the climate change, India stated that New Delhi is willing to work above and beyond the Paris agreement.

There were also a discussion on the possibility of a high-level visit from Belgium to India later this year, he added.

Responding to a question about Sushma Swaraj not being present during United States President Donald Trump's address at the UNGA, Kumar said, "She was around the UNHQ and there were lots of meetings. So it's not always possible. The idea is to maximise her meetings with other leaders and that is what we are trying to do.