External affairs minister S Jaishankar (Image credits: PTI)
NEW DELHI: India reaffirmed its commitment to the Gaza Peace Plan on Tuesday, with external affairs minister S Jaishankar expressing confidence that the initiative will help achieve a “durable and lasting solution” to the ongoing crisis in the region.Jaishankar made the remarks during his meeting with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed regional developments, counterterrorism cooperation, and ways to further strengthen the India-Israel partnership.On the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said India has been “following developments in your region with very close attention,” adding, “We welcome the return of the hostages and the remains of those who unfortunately lost their lives. India supports the Gaza Peace Plan and hopes that it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution.”Emphasising shared concerns on global security, Jaishankar stated, as quoted by ANI, “Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.”This reaffirmation of support for the peace plan follows Jaishankar’s remarks at the 5th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting a day earlier, where he highlighted India’s consistent stand on peace and stability in the region. These developments come in the wake of the US-brokered ceasefire announced on October 10, 2025, based on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework. The truce had initially sparked cautious optimism after two years of conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s large-scale retaliation. However, its implementation has faced obstacles, reflecting the deep mistrust between the parties involved.Welcoming Sa’ar on his first official visit to India, Jaishankar said, “Excellency, let me welcome you and your delegation to India. You particularly, because I just learnt that this was your first visit to India. So, a very, very warm welcome.” He added, “Now, we have met before in Munich and we have been in telephonic contact, but I really look forward to our in-person discussion today.”Highlighting the strength of bilateral relations, Jaishankar noted, “India and Israel have a strategic partnership and particularly in our case, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability.”Speaking on the broader partnership, the EAM said, “Your visit allows us to review our bilateral cooperation and assess the possibilities for further deepening it. The recent conclusion of our Bilateral Investment Agreement is a notable step in that direction.”Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar underscored the importance of continued dialogue. “Given our strategic cooperation, an exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues also holds great value. There are some plurilateral initiatives in which we both have a strong interest. I look forward to that aspect of our deliberations as well,” he said.