Ashraf AboArafe
Calicut, Kerala, India – His Eminence Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed, the Grand Mufti of India, has passionately endorsed India’s resolute position at the United Nations, championing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He hailed this stance as a profound reflection of India’s enduring commitment to humanitarian values and its historic legacy of advocating for oppressed communities worldwide.
The Grand Mufti lauded India’s vote alongside the global majority in support of recognizing Palestine, describing it as a wise and courageous decision. This act underscores India’s steadfast dedication to global peace and justice, standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured decades of occupation and denial of their fundamental rights.
Beyond a political gesture, Sheikh Abu Bakr emphasized that India’s position is a powerful moral and cultural statement. It projects India as a global leader that upholds peace, condemns injustice, and fosters dialogue and coexistence. He urged the international community to take decisive steps to end the Israeli occupation, halt ongoing aggressions, and empower Palestinians to establish their sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He further stressed that the Palestinian cause transcends borders, embodying a universal humanitarian issue that resonates with the global conscience. Continued violence and oppression, he warned, threaten not only regional stability but also world peace.
Concluding his remarks, His Eminence offered a heartfelt prayer for a just and lasting peace in Palestine, envisioning a sovereign state that safeguards human dignity and delivers long-denied justice.
These remarks were delivered at the prestigious International Milad Conference in Calicut, Kerala, attended by thousands in a vibrant display of unity. The event underscored deep public support for just causes, with the Palestinian struggle at the forefront.
Reinforcing India’s commitment, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, recently addressed the UN Security Council, urging an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. He stressed that temporary pauses in hostilities fall short of addressing the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for sustained aid, the release of hostages, and a return to diplomacy as the only viable path to peace. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for a two-state solution, declaring, “There is no substitute for peace.”
India’s principled stance has drawn widespread admiration. A prominent activist observed, “India’s clarion call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza shines as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities everywhere.” Another noted, “By championing peace and justice, India cements its role as a global leader in fostering stability and compassion.”
