Kirti Vardhan Singh at the ministerial (@KVSinghMPGonda)
Welcoming the agreement on the first phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the Indian government urged all parties to honour their respective commitments, saying this could set the stage for subsequent follow up steps“We hope that the first phase will serve as the initial step towards achieving these ends. At this juncture, it is important for peace and calm to hold,” said MoS (MEA) Kirti V Singh, addressing a meeting of the NAM , ministerial committee on Palestine in Kampala.“Moving ahead, India is willing to contribute towards the vision of realizing a peaceful and stable Middle East,” he added.The minister also said that innocent civilians have the right to lead normal lives. “They cannot continue to remain deprived; they must not die due to conflict,” he said.On the larger question of Palestine as well, Singh underlined India’s historical position, saying that as one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine, India reaffirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty.“Our ultimate objective remains a negotiated two-State solution, which is the only path to achieve lasting peace and overall prosperity. The essential parameters are clear – a sovereign, independent, viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, within secure and recognized borders,” he said, adding dialogue and diplomacy remain the best means to realize this.“India’s convictions are reflected in its actions. We have sought to improve the daily lives of the Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have been extending development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to them. Since October 2023 alone, India has provided relief assistance of nearly 135 metric tons of medicines and supplies,” said Singh.