File photo: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh and PM Modi (Picture credit: ANI, PTI)
NEW DELHI: Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India at the ‘Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit’ in Egypt’s Red Sea resort city on Monday. The high-level meeting, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and co-chaired by US President Donald Trump, will focus on bringing lasting peace to Gaza and the broader Middle East.As per news agency PTI, it is learnt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the summit, which will be attended by nearly 20 world leaders, but New Delhi deputed Singh to participate instead. The gathering comes days after the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan took effect with a ceasefire in the war-torn region on Friday.The summit will “aim to end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and usher in a new phase of regional security and stability.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are among the world leaders expected to attend.As per AFP, Egypt’s foreign ministry said a “document ending the war in the Gaza Strip” is likely to be signed during the “historic” gathering, which it described as a step towards inaugurating “a new chapter of peace and security” and easing the suffering of Palestinians. The summit follows intense diplomatic efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States that resulted in the current ceasefire deal. The first phase includes Israeli troop withdrawals from key areas such as Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis, the opening of aid crossings, and the release of hostages and prisoners. Hamas is expected to release about 20 living hostages on Monday morning.The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks that killed about 1,200 Israelis, has led to devastating consequences in Gaza. Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The World Health Organisation recently warned that malnutrition levels in Gaza have reached “alarming” proportions.A massive crowd gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Saturday to celebrate the ceasefire and express gratitude toward Trump for his mediation. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, called it “a powerful night,” crediting Trump’s “bold leadership and moral clarity” for achieving the truce and hostage release.French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to arrive in Egypt on Monday to express his “full support” for the ceasefire and consult with global partners on the next steps for peace implementation. Go to Source
