NEW DELHI: India sought to elevate its ties with Palestine during the ongoing visit of President Mahmoud Abbas by reinforcing its principled stand on a two-state solution and offering a slew capacity building projects in what would reflect the central government’s classic diplomatic balancing act ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Israel trip in July.The two decided to strengthen cooperation enabling sharing of information and perspectives to fight international terror as Abbas and Modi held wide ranging discussions on the volatile situation in West Asia.The two sides agreed that the challenges in West Asia must be addressed through sustained political dialogue and peaceful means, including in Syria.In what came as reassurance to Abbas was Modi's remarks on creation of a sovereign Palestine notwithstanding growing bonhomie between Delhi and Tel Aviv."The relationship between India and Palestine is built on the foundation of long-standing solidarity and friendship since the days of our own freedom struggle. India has been unwavering in its support of the Palestinian cause. And we hope to see the realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel. I have reaffirmed our position on this to President Abbas during our conversation today," Modi said in his remarks to the press with Abbas by his side following their dialogue.The PM also hoped for early resumption of talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive solution.It may be recalled that India's ties with Israel expanded simultaneously with expansion of its partnership with Arab World during the past two decades. It is understood that during his trip to Israel, Modi and the leadership there will discuss on the issue of negiations between Palestinians and Israelis for a lasting solution to the protracted crisis.Delhi is not yet a mediator in many of the conflicts in West Asia but hopes to expand its footprints across the region, which is in its extended neighbourhood. India also participated in a conference on Israel and Palestine organised by France in Paris earlier this year.Abbas in his remarks at the joint press meet described India as a "dost" which supported cause at all international fora and condemned terror in all its forms and manifestations.He empahsised that India is at the forefront of reconstruction of Palestine.This is Abbas’ maiden trip to India under the current NDA regime and Delhi hopes to have Palestine as a partner in the volatile region where it has vital human, energy and security interests. Contrary to initial perception, the Modi-led government has had a sustained engagement with Palestine, including a visit by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015, holding the first ever Joint Commission last year and extending grants for development and capacity building projects.This was once again reflected during Abbas-Modi talks. "India is committed to be a useful development partner of Palestine. President Abbas and I agreed that both sides, through practical cooperation, will work together to build Palestine’s economy and contribute to improving the lives of its people. We will continue to support the development and capacity-building efforts of Palestine," Modi stated at the joint press meet.The two sides also signed five pacts, including cooperation in health, IT, agriculture and youth affairs. India is undertaking project assistance for a flagship Techno-park project in Ramallah. Once completed, it will serve as an IT hub in Palestine offering a one-stop solution for all ITrelated training and services.The PM also hoped that large number of Palestinians will participate in international day of yoga next month. The visit by the Palestinian president after his trips to the US and Russia also enabled Delhi to get an understanding of Abbas’ engagements with global powers on the Israeli-Palestine issue.The recent meet of the Arab leaders in Amman called for "creation of a Palestinian state under a two-state solution that would be the basis of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace deal". Furthering strategic ties with West Asia has been a priority for the BJP-led NDA government.