India Pledges $2.5 Million to UNRWA

India announced a 2.5 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on 11 June 2026. The amount is the first tranche of India’s annual 5 million assistance to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA and its Mandate

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNRWA provides education, healthcare, relief, and social services to Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

India’s Assistance to Palestine

India’s 2.5 million contribution is meant for UNRWA’s core programmes and services. India released the second tranche of 2.5 million on 18 November 2024 and completed its annual 5 million contribution for 2024-25. India released the first tranche of 2.5 million on 18 July 2024 as part of the same annual commitment. Between October 2023 and November 2024, India provided about 135 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid to Palestine in four tranches.

India’s Diplomatic Position

India has supported a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict for several decades. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated this position during a United Nations Security Council meeting on 11 June 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• UNRWA was created in 1949 and works under a mandate of the United Nations General Assembly.
• India’s annual contribution to UNRWA for 2024-25 was 5 million in two equal tranches of 2.5 million each.
• India provided about 135 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid to Palestine between October 2023 and November 2024.
• India had provided $35 million to UNRWA until 2023-24 for core programmes and services.

Humanitarian Support

India also pledged medicines for UNRWA based on specific requests. The aid package included 81.5 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies among the humanitarian consignments sent to Palestine.