Blitz Bureau
RIYADH: Calling for an immediate ceasefire, India on September 9 said that it was “deeply pained” at the “continuing deaths” of civilians in the Gaza conflict at the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Riyadh.
External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s “principled and consistent” stand on the Palestinian issue while calling for a ceasefire in the region, as soon as possible. Without taking any names, Jaishankar reiterated that while India condemns acts of terrorism and hostagetaking, it also wants an end to violence at the earliest.
Foremost concern
“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. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” the EAM said while co-chairing the inaugural India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.
Two-state solution
“On the larger issue, we have consistently stood 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,” he added. Calling the GCC a “cornerstone of global energy supply”, the External Affairs Minister called for deeper collaboration to stabilise markets, drive innovation and enhance energy security.
Shared vision
“Our partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, education can also help realise our respective national goals,” he said. Jaishankar mentioned that the India-GCC relationship goes beyond just transactions and is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.
