India Wants Israel-Palestine Ceasefire

While speaking at the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that the situation in Gaza is of foremost concern and as such India supports a ceasefire as soon as possible. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is going on from the last eleven months. It has caused grave human tragedies in the region. While reinforcing the Indian stand for the ceasefire to end Israel-Palestine conflict to bring an end to human tragedies, Jaishankar said, “The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. 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.” He was firm that any response must consider the principles of humanitarian law and as such India supports a ceasefire as soon as possible. There has been an unprecedented bloodshed going on that has killed thousands of people in attacks and counter attacks causing a grave human crisis having implications on the entire globe. The two sides have so far failed to execute a ceasefire so far to end the on -going eleven moth old conflict. Highlighting the India’s consistent background to work for the peace in the West Asia, External Affairs Minister has said that India wants a resolution of the on-going conflict through a two state solution, underlining that India has worked for building Palestinian institutions and capacities from time to time. India has been contributing towards the relief and increased support to UNRWA. It is pertinent to mention that GCC is an influential group that comprises of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. India is engaged in a volume of trade with GCC grouping that amounts to USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23.External Affairs Minister has stated that this meeting is not just about reflecting on the achievements but an opportunity to chart out ambitious and far reaching course of action for the future. Emphasising this point, he said, “The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people ties and beyond.” In order to solidify the partnership he has offered the framework of 3P’s-People, Prosperity and Progress. Underlining the people to people contact he said, “Our people-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship. Close to 9 million Indians work and live amongst you, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and comfort. The task before us is to invest in each other’s future and support each other’s continued prosperity”. He has termed GCC as the cornerstone of global energy supply chain and termed India as the world’s one of the largest and fastest growing markets. He substantiated this by saying that much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilizing markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security. And our partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, and education can also help realize our respective national goals. He made it abundantly clear that India-GCC relationship is built on the foundation of trust, mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. He made it clear that it has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterized by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability. Making it clear that the Gulf region has a central place in the emerging geo-politics he said that in a world polarised by conflict and tension, we share a commitment to global peace, security, and stability. With a focus on multiculturalism he said, “Similarly, the demands of AI, of electric mobility and of green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources. Conflict and tensions bring out the importance of cooperating on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can be mutually supportive of each other’s aspirations.” India’s role as the ambassador of peace and dignity for all humans is increasing day by day. As such the Jaishankar’s visit must be seen as another important intervention by India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine to bring global peace. India is playing its role well to act as the ambassador of global peace and brotherhood.