'Imperative that all hostages are released': Jaishankar at BRICS meeting on Israel-Hamas war

India has voiced its concern about the significant human suffering resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, participating in a virtual meeting of BRICS leaders, expressed India’s welcome for international efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Emphasising the release of hostages and adherence to international humanitarian law, Jaishankar highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza safely.

He condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, asserting a firm stance against compromising with terrorism and the unacceptable practice of hostage-taking.

Jaishankar thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for convening the meeting, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the attendees.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi couldn’t join, Jaishankar conveyed his greetings and discussed the West Asia situation, particularly focusing on Gaza.

India stressed the importance of restraint, immediate humanitarian support, and a peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

“Prime Minister Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region and across the world in this context. He has highlighted the need to create conditions for peace and restart direct and meaningful peace negotiations.”

He said India believes that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a “serious and sustainable manner”.

“This can only happen with a two-State solution that is based on peaceful co-existence. We have been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end.”

The minister said that over the years, India has supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and strengthening of their national institutions.

“Our development partnership is geared towards these objectives. We continue to provide assistance both bilaterally and through the UN. Our economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial support to Palestinian Authority reflect our position. India remains supportive of the UN Relief and Welfare Agency’s (UNRWA) role and have been contributing USD 5 million annually.”

Jaishankar said that India has also sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in response to the crisis in Gaza.

“We thank Egypt for facilitating this delivery. Our relief assistance will continue.”

The leaders of the BRICS countries–Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa– joined the meeting along with their counterparts from newly added member states.

With inputs from ANI