India praised the recent progress in peace talks aimed at resolving the long-running conflict in Gaza on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised US President Donald Trump’s work in public, saying that the news about the release of hostages held by Hamas was a “significant step forward” toward peace.
Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media, “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress.” Signs that hostages are being freed are a big step forward.
He also said that India is still fully committed to the area and that the government will “continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace.”
Second Support for Trump’s Plan for Peace
This is the second time this week that Prime Minister Modi has backed President Trump’s plan. His declaration comes after news that the militant group Hamas had sent its answer to the US President’s offer. Hamas has apparently promised to liberate all Israeli prisoners and is willing to let Palestinian technocrats run the Gaza Strip, which shows that they are open to a new way of governing.
In reaction, President Trump called the events “unprecedented” and said in a video on social media that he thought Hamas was ready for “lasting peace.” He also called on the other side, telling Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza” so that hostages may be freed safely and quickly.
Modi hailed Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict earlier this week, on Tuesday. He called the plan a “viable pathway” for long-term peace, security, and development for both the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Important Parts of the US Proposal
The US peace plan includes a number of important steps that are meant to stop the conflict and change the destiny of Gaza:
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: The plan calls for the repatriation of some 48 hostages remaining held by Hamas (28 of whom are thought to be dead) within 72 hours of a truce going into force.
Post-War Governance: It wants Gaza to have a temporary government.
Disarmament and Redevelopment: The plan also calls on Hamas to give up its weapons, which the group is said to have not addressed in its present answer. The Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israeli military attacks that killed more than 66,000 people, is going to be rebuilt as “New Gaza.”
Hamas’s conditional answer to the US plan came on Friday, only hours before President Trump’s deadline for the group to respond by Sunday.
India’s steady policy of a two-state solution
India’s diplomatic stance is still focused on finding a lasting solution to the dispute. People who know about the situation say that India’s national policy is always clear and consistent in its support for a negotiated two-state solution. This policy aims to create a sovereign, independent, and sustainable State of Palestine with safe and recognized borders that can live peacefully next to Israel. It has support from all major parties in India.
India has always been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. In fact, it was one of the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the only legal representation of the Palestinian people in 1974. Later, in 1988, it recognized the State of Palestine.
India recently voted in favor of the “New York Declaration” on September 12. This was the outcome document of a conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France that focused on finding a peaceful solution to the Palestine issue and putting the two-state solution into action.
India has condemned the actions carried out by Hamas in October 2023, in line with its “zero tolerance” policy for terrorism. At the same time, India has stressed the urgent need for the release of all captives and for humanitarian access to Gaza to be guaranteed.