Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar whereas addressing the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Assembly for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh on Monday mentioned that the continuing battle in Gaza is India’s “foremost concern”. He advocated for an instantaneous ceasefire within the area, the place hostilities between Israel and Hamas have endured for almost a 12 months.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s constant stance in opposition to terrorism and the taking of hostages, expressing sorrow over the lack of civilian lives. “The present scenario in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India’s place on this regard has been principled and constant. Whereas we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we’re deeply pained by the persevering with demise of harmless civilians,” he mentioned.
Jaishankar mentioned that any response should bear in mind the rules of humanitarian regulation. “We help a ceasefire as quickly as doable,” he added.
The minister highlighted the October 7 assault by Hamas, ruling Gaza, which resulted in vital Israeli casualties and abductions. In retaliation, Israel’s counteroffensive has led to appreciable destruction and a excessive demise toll in Gaza. Regardless of these occasions, efforts to dealer a ceasefire have been unsuccessful.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s help for a two-state decision to the Palestinian difficulty and talked about India’s contributions in the direction of Palestinian institutional and capability constructing. He additionally famous India’s elevated help for the United Nations Reduction and Works Company for Palestine Refugees within the Close to East (UNRWA) amid the humanitarian disaster.
The GCC, consisting of the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, holds vital affect, with India’s commerce quantity with these nations reaching USD 184.46 billion within the 2022-23 monetary 12 months. Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in taking part within the strategic dialogue, emphasizing the assembly’s significance past reflection, aiming for a future-oriented partnership between India and the GCC.
