India has assured Palestine of continued support for its independence. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that New Delhi was continuing with its policy of supporting the creation of an independent State of Palestine, and also of extending economic support to help the people there. Abbas had come to New Delhi yesterday on an unannounced visit, but he received a warm welcome that has traditionally been extended to Palestinian leaders, particularly the late Yasser Arafat, according to a report of the UAE news agency "WAM". Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, who called on the Palestinian President today, said peace and development were the two top priorities in the Middle East. "We would like to see Palestine and Israel living side by side behind secure borders in prosperity and peace. Where we can be helpful is certainly something we continue discussing with our friends." He said he had an excellent meeting with President Abbas and Foreign Minister Riyad al Maliki, and a thorough discussion with them on the political situation and prospects of peace in the region. India had recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinians way back in 1974, and in 1988, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize Palestine as an independent state, and later gifted its embassy building in the posh diplomatic Chanakyapuri area in New Delhi. The Indian government has continuously extended financial assistance to Palestine and last night, Dr Manmohan Singh announced another installment of US$ 10 million. The Indian government also extends medical assistance to the Palestinians. A spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs said at the end of Abbas' visit: Dr Manmohan Singh reiterated "India's commitment to the Palestinian cause in line with United Nations Security Council calling for a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine." He hosted a dinner for President Abbas and his delegation and that the two leaders held discussions on the fresh efforts at initiating a peace process in the volatile Middle East region. "They also discussed the Russian proposal for a meeting of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the US (the Quartet working for peace in the Middle East)."
