External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s “balanced approach” to the Middle East and expressed strong support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasized India’s clear stance against terrorism and hostage-taking while underscoring the need to respect humanitarian law and protect civilian lives during military operations.
Jaishankar stated, “India’s approach is balanced and considers the complexity of the Middle East conflict, while maintaining a commitment to justice and fairness.” Drawing on India’s experience with terrorism, he stressed that such acts should never be justified. However, he also highlighted that any government or military action must minimize civilian casualties and prioritize humanitarian relief.
India has extended assistance to Palestine and Lebanon during the ongoing crisis. Jaishankar stated, “India remains committed to supporting UNRWA, providing aid to Palestine, and delivering medicines to Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict.” He emphasized the importance of finding a solution to the Palestinian issue, warning that unresolved conflict would fuel instability in the region. He firmly backed a two-state solution, calling for international cooperation to resolve the matter.
During his official visit to Qatar and Bahrain from December 6-9, Jaishankar co-chaired the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The discussions reviewed bilateral relations and explored new opportunities in sectors like space, education, FinTech, and technology.
In a social media post, Jaishankar shared, “We discussed trade, investments, healthcare, security, and tourism, while also addressing recent regional developments.” His visit underscored India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with Middle Eastern nations and promoting stability through balanced diplomacy.
