India supported a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly on Friday, advocating for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and urging the Security Council to “reconsider” the matter positively. The resolution, presented by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, received 143 votes in favor, with India among the supporters.
The resolution affirmed that “the State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations” and recommended that the Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably.” India’s backing of Palestine dates back to 1974 when it became the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization. India also recognized the State of Palestine in 1988 and opened a Representative Office to the Palestine Authority in Gaza in 1996.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, expressed hope that Palestine’s application for UN membership, previously vetoed by the Security Council, would be reconsidered. The resolution stipulated that Palestine’s additional rights and privileges as a UN member would commence from the 79th session of the General Assembly in September this year.
These rights include seating among member states in alphabetical order, making statements on behalf of a group, and full participation in UN conferences and meetings. Despite being an observer state, Palestine does not currently have voting rights in the General Assembly or the ability to nominate candidates for UN organs.
In April, Palestine requested the UN Secretary-General to reconsider its application for full membership. However, a resolution in the Security Council to grant Palestine full membership was vetoed by the US last month. Palestine currently holds the status of a “non-member observer state” at the UN, a status granted in 2012.