Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the return of all 20 Israeli hostages, who were held in Hamas’ captivity for more than two years. The PM said that India fully supports US President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring peace to the region.
“We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity,” Modi said via X. “Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu,” the PM said, adding, “We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region.”
Modi’s statement came just hours before Trump and several world leaders signed a Gaza ceasefire agreement at a peace summit held in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the summit on behalf of the Prime Minister.
‘In line with India’s long standing support for a negotiated two State solution’ – MEA reiterates PM’s sentiments
Falling in line with the PM’s statement, the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution and said the country backs all efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on a post via X said that India welcomes the signing of the major peace agreement and hopes it will help achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.
The MEA added that India will continue to support peace in the Middle East and that it believes all issues should be settled through talks and diplomacy.
“We support the Gaza peace plan of President Trump and appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace,” the MEA said.
The MEA said the peace summit was held to strengthen efforts for peace and stability in the region, following Trump’s plan for lasting peace. “This is also in line with India’s long standing support for a negotiated two State solution. India will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region,” the statement said.
Trump’s address to Israeli Parliament
Before heading to Sharm el-Sheikh for the peace summit, US President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli parliament. The summit, held in the Egyptian resort city, was jointly hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
While speaking to the Israeli lawmakers, Trump called the Gaza peace process the beginning of a new era for the Middle East and said a brighter and more hopeful future was now within reach. He also noted that after two difficult years of captivity, 20 hostages were finally returning home to their families.
Trump also said that this was the first time the Middle East conflict had brought people together instead of dividing them. He added that the world must move forward without being controlled by the conflicts of the past. Urging unity, he said that the spirit of cooperation and goodwill had made this historic breakthrough possible. The ceasefire in Gaza took effect on Friday.