Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Riyadh for the GCC meeting, expressed concern over the horrific massacre going on in Gaza.
He said that the current situation in Gaza is India’s biggest concern. While presenting India’s stand before the Gulf countries, he said that we support a ceasefire in this region as soon as possible.
A fierce war has been going on between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip for the last 11 months. In this massacre, more than 42 thousand people have been killed in Gaza alone. The entire area of the Gaza Strip has turned into a crematorium.
S Jaishankar made the remarks on Gaza at the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue in Riyadh.
He said, “The current situation in Gaza is now our biggest concern. India’s stand in this regard has been principled and consistent. We condemn incidents of terrorism and hostage-taking, but we are deeply saddened by the continued deaths of innocent civilians.” Jaishankar said that the principles of humanitarian law should be kept in mind in any action. He said, “We support a ceasefire as soon as possible.”
India supports two-nation solution
On October 7 last year, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 others.
Israel carried out attacks in Gaza, causing widespread devastation and killing approximately 42,000 people, according to local health officials.
Jaishankar said India has consistently stood for a solution to the Palestinian issue through a two-nation solution. He said India has also contributed to building Palestinian institutions and capacities.
The Foreign Minister said, “As far as the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and extended our support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).”
what is gcc
The GCC is an influential group, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. India’s total trade with GCC countries stood at US$ 184.46 billion in FY 2022-23.
Jaishankar said it was a great pleasure for him to participate in the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.
He said that this meeting is an opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements but also to chart an ambitious and far-reaching path for the future.
Historical ties between India and GCC
He said, “Relations between India and the GCC are rooted in a rich fabric of history, culture and shared values. These ties have strengthened over time and evolved into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people ties and beyond.”
He said, “Relationships between our people are the foundation of our relations. Nearly 90 lakh Indians live here, who act as a living bridge between us. Their contribution to your economic progress is widely recognized. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and convenience.”
Jaishankar said, “Our partnership in the areas of renewable energy, technology and innovation, health, space and education can also help realise our respective national goals.”
Noting the Gulf region’s pivotal place in contemporary geopolitics, the minister said, “In a world polarised by conflict and tension, we are committed to global peace, security and stability.”
Jaishankar said, “Similarly, the demand for AI, electric mobility and green growth highlights the importance of sharing human resources. Conflicts and tensions bring out the importance of cooperation on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can mutually support each other’s aspirations.”
“Let us use this platform to deepen our ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future,” he said.
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