By Tahir Qureshi

Copyright india

New Delhi: Many Western countries have recognised Palestine as a state. is underway. Several Israeli allies have formally recognised Palestine as a country. This initiative is led by Britain the country that once played the largest role in the creation of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians. Following this Canada Australia and Portugal issued a statement recognising the Palestinian state this Sunday September 21. Belgium France Luxembourg Malta New Zealand and Liechtenstein are expected to announce their recognition of Palestine at a special UNGA on Monday 22 September 2025.
Why is Palestine a special country?
Palestine is a state that both exists and does not exist. There is no country called Palestine on the world map. Despite this Palestine enjoys widespread international recognition has diplomatic missions abroad and fields teams in global sporting events including the Olympics. However it has no recognised borders. It has no capital and no army. The Palestinian Authority lacks full control over its territory. Gaza a part of Palestine facing a devastating war remains under Israeli occupation. Therefore its recognition today is largely symbolic.
Why are countries recognising Palestine?
Given the deteriorating situation in Gaza pressure is mounting on the world to formally recognise Palestine. Over 65000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in the past 23 months. However these figures were released by the Hamas-controlled health department which has been suspect from the beginning. Despite this the Israel-Gaza war has created a dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has reported that Gaza is in the grip of a severe famine and Israel has been accused of genocide.
How many countries have supported Palestine?
According to reports at least 145 of the 193 UN member states now recognise the State of Palestine. Some Western powers such as Germany and Italy have made it clear that they do not plan to recognise the Palestinian state. But the Palestinian cause is also receiving support from other countries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was recognising Palestine to revive hope for peace and a two-state solution for Palestinians and Israelis.
What is Indias policy on Palestine?
India has historically supported Palestine. India voted against the partition of Palestine in 1947. Furthermore India recognised the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1974 and was one of the first countries to recognise the Palestinian state in 1988. Significantly although India recognised Israel as a country in 1950 it did not establish diplomatic relations until 1992. India has always supported a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
As more countries recognise the Palestinian State what is Indias policy on Palestine?
Many Western countries have recognised Palestine as a state.
Several Israeli allies have formally recognised Palestine as a country.
This initiative is led by Britain the country that once played the largest role in the creation of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians.
Palestine is a state that both exists and does not exist. There is no country called Palestine on the world map. Despite this Palestine enjoys widespread international recognition has diplomatic missions abroad and fields teams in global sporting events including the Olympics. However it has no recognised borders. It has no capital and no army.