NEW DELHI, Feb. 20 -- India said on Friday that it had joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in a statement condemning Israel's moves to expand unlawful settlements in the West Bank, as this is in line with New Delhi's long-standing position of backing a two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people.

India was not included when Palestine's UN envoy Riyad Mansour initially issued the statement on Tuesday with the backing of more than 80 countries and organisations. The Indian side signed on, along with some 20 countries and organisations, on Wednesday, criticising Israel's moves to expand its control over areas in the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

External affairs ministry spoke...