NEW DELHI: Foreign minister S Jaishankar Monday sought to assuage concerns in the Gulf about Israel’s actions in Gaza as he reiterated India’s support for ceasefire, and reminded Israel that any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law.
Addressing his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Riyadh, Jaishankar said that while India condemns acts of terrorism, it’s deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians.He underlined that the current situation in Gaza was “understandably” India’s foremost concern.
The remarks are the latest in a series of public reiteration by India in recent times of support for Gaza ceasefire, in a sign of solidarity with important Gulf partners, as the conflict shows no sign of abating even after 12 months. PM Narendra Modi’s conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu last month saw him calling for ceasefire along with immediate release of hostages. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri sought the same in a meeting with senior Israeli officials late last month.
“India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” said the minister, participating in the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.
Jaishankar also said that in a world polarised by conflict and tension, India and the GCC shared a commitment to global peace, security, and stability. He reiterated India’s support also for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. “We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA,” said the minister.
Underscoring the significance of India’s ties with the region, he said progress and prosperity require its concomitant – security – to also be stronger. The Gulf region occupies a central place in contemporary geopolitics, he said.”GCC is a cornerstone of global energy supply. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets. Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilising markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security,” said the minister, adding the partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, education can also help realise our respective national goals.
“But our relationship goes beyond just transactions. It is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. It has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterised by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability,” he said.
Addressing his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Riyadh, Jaishankar said that while India condemns acts of terrorism, it’s deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians.He underlined that the current situation in Gaza was “understandably” India’s foremost concern.
The remarks are the latest in a series of public reiteration by India in recent times of support for Gaza ceasefire, in a sign of solidarity with important Gulf partners, as the conflict shows no sign of abating even after 12 months. PM Narendra Modi’s conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu last month saw him calling for ceasefire along with immediate release of hostages. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri sought the same in a meeting with senior Israeli officials late last month.
“India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” said the minister, participating in the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.
Jaishankar also said that in a world polarised by conflict and tension, India and the GCC shared a commitment to global peace, security, and stability. He reiterated India’s support also for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. “We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA,” said the minister.
Underscoring the significance of India’s ties with the region, he said progress and prosperity require its concomitant – security – to also be stronger. The Gulf region occupies a central place in contemporary geopolitics, he said.”GCC is a cornerstone of global energy supply. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets. Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilising markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security,” said the minister, adding the partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, education can also help realise our respective national goals.
“But our relationship goes beyond just transactions. It is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. It has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterised by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability,” he said.
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