India non-commital on Jerusalem as Israel s capital
New Delhi Dec 7 (IANS) India on Thursday declined to comment on US President Donald Trump s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel s capital saying its position on Palestine "is independent and consistent".
"India s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests and not determined by any third country " External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to queries.
The Indian statement comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s expected visit to India early next year.
Trump on Wednesday announced that the US now recognised Jerusalem as Israel s capital describing the move as "a long overdue step" to advance the Middle East peace process evoking strong reactions from Arab and European capitals.
--IANS
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