India welcomes 'normalisation' of relations between UAE and Israel

" Both nations are key strategic partners of India," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said while addressing the press.

"India continues its traditional support for the Palestinian cause. We hope to see early resumption of direct negotiations to find an acceptable two-state solution," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday made a surprise announcement stating that Israel and the United Arab Emirates had reached a peace agreement which would pave the way for truce in the Middle East.

In a tweet, Trump said: "HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!"

In a joint statement, Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said they interacted on Thursday "and agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates."

They claimed this to be a historic diplomatic breakthrough that will advance peace in the Middle East region.

Israeli and UAE delegations will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security and the establishment of reciprocal embassies, the statement said.

 "At the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President's Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world," it said.

 "The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are confident that additional diplomatic breakthroughs with other nations are possible, and will work together to achieve this goal," the statement added.