India has signed off on the joint statement with US expressing “support for humanitarian pauses” in the Gaza war and to “prevent the conflict from spreading” in the Middle East.
The statement came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin for the Indo-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue on Friday.
Underlining that the two countries “stand with Israel against terrorism”, the statement called for the release of people taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.
On the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Foreign Secretary reiterated India’s position on the conflict: “We have always stood for a two-state solution and early resumption of dialogue. You are also aware, very early on, when the current hostility started, India put out a tweet condemning the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7. We have always advocated zero-tolerance for terrorism.”
Besides, he said, “there is also the angle of humanitarian assistance… India has already sent about 38 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the region to address this humanitarian situation. We have asked for strict observance of international humanitarian law, de-escalation of the situation and of course, also condemned the civilian casualties, where they have occurred.”
The joint statement expressed “support for humanitarian pauses” and underlined the need to “prevent the conflict from spreading” in the Middle East.
“Noting horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, the Ministers reiterated that India and the United States stand with Israel against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages,” the joint statement said.
“The Ministers committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace,” it stated.
