New Delhi, India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar participated in the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile he spoke about the situation in Palestine.
S Jaishankar termed the situation in Gaza as India's “biggest concern” and said New Delhi was in favor of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
The foreign minister said, “The current situation in Gaza is now our biggest concern. India's stand in this regard has been principled and consistent. We condemn acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, but are deeply saddened by the continued killing of innocent civilians. By death. Jayashankar said that any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law.
We support an early ceasefire.On October 7, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air and sea, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 others.
According to local health officials, Israel attacked Gaza, causing widespread destruction and killing nearly 40,000 people. The two sides have so far failed to reach a ceasefire to end the 11-month-old conflict.
Jaishankar said that India stands for a solution through a solution to the Palestinian issue. India has also contributed to building Palestinian institutions and capacities. As far as the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided assistance and extended our support to UNRWA, he said.
The GCC is an influential bloc that includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. India's total trade with the GCC countries in the financial year 2022-23 was US$ 184.46 billion. Regarding the occasion, Taktaja Shankar said that it was a great pleasure for him to participate in the first India-GCC ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue.
The meeting is an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements, but also to chart an ambitious and far-reaching path for the future. These bonds have grown stronger over time and have grown into partnerships in economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people relations and beyond. Jayashankar said, “Our cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, technology and innovation, health, space and education. The partnership can also help realize our respective national goals.”
“Let us use this platform to deepen our relationship, explore new avenues of cooperation and build a collaborative future,” he said.
