External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday condemned the terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas during its conflict with Israel and reiterated India’s call for restraint and dialogue. Speaking at the 10th MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome, Jaishankar talked about the growing challenges of two major ongoing conflicts—one in the Middle East and the other in Ukraine—and their far-reaching destabilising consequences.
“We all recognize that the world is experiencing severe stress. Two major conflicts are underway. Supply chains are insecure, connectivity, especially maritime stands disrupted, climate events are more extreme and frequent, and the Covid pandemic has left deep scars,” the EAM said.
Addressing the situation in the Middle East, he noted, “India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage-taking. Large-scale civilian casualties in military operations are unacceptable, and international humanitarian law cannot be disregarded.”
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India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage taking: EAM
Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution to the conflict. “India favors a two state solution. Our concerns have also been increasing on the widening of the conflict,” he said.
“The situation in the Middle east is obviously deeply concerning both for what has happened and what may still come. India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage taking. It also regards large scale civilian casualties in military operations to be unacceptable,” he added.
His comments come amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict, which escalated after Hezbollah’s attacks following Hamas’ assault on Israel in October 2023. The war has led to significant casualties and displacement, with international mediators struggling to broker a lasting ceasefire.
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‘Indian naval ships deployed in Gulf of Aden since last year’
Jaishankar during his address also added that India has been in regular touch with Israel and Iran to promote restraint.
“We have been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran at the highest levels to advocate restraint and enhance communication. With regard to the Gulf of Aden and the Northern Arabian Sea. Indian naval ships have been deployed since last year to protect commercial shipping,” Jaishankar said.
Talking about the conflict in Ukraine, Jaishankar called for an urgent return to dialogue and diplomacy, dismissing the notion of a battlefield solution. “The continuation of this conflict has serious destabilizing consequences, including for the Mediterranean. What is clear is that no solution is going to emerge from the battlefield,” he said.
During his three-day diplomatic mission to Italy, the external affairs minister will attend the Outreach Session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi.