New Delhi: India on Wednesday reiterated its firm demand for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. The attack, which ignited the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has drawn widespread condemnation, with New Delhi reaffirming its “strong and unequivocal” stance against the assault.
The condemnation was reiterated during the 17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while Israel was represented by the Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Yaakov Blitshtein.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) detailed that the discussions covered various bilateral issues, including a thorough review of ongoing collaborative efforts. Both sides also exchanged views on the current situation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
“Reiterating India’s strong and unequivocal condemnation of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Foreign Secretary called for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, the need for continued humanitarian assistance, and adherence to international humanitarian law. He also expressed India’s concern over the escalating situation in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy,” the statement added.
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Throughout the Gaza conflict, India has consistently condemned the October 7 attack and the resulting civilian casualties in the ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. India has urged restraint, de-escalation, and the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
India’s longstanding policy on the Israeli-Palestinian issue includes support for a negotiated two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, living peacefully alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders.
