Gaza Peace Agreement Hailed by India as Major Step Towards Regional Stability
New Delhi reiterates support for a two-state solution and urges all parties to sustain diplomatic momentum for lasting peace.
United Nations, Oct 24: India has welcomed the recently signed Gaza Peace Agreement, describing it as a “landmark” step toward stability in the Middle East. At the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the situation in the region, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reaffirmed that a two-state solution remains “the only pragmatic path” to achieving durable peace between Israel and Palestine.
“It is India’s earnest desire to realise the vision of a stable and peaceful Middle East… deprivation and indignity cannot be part of daily life; civilians must not die due to conflict,” Harish said, underlining New Delhi’s readiness to contribute to peace-building efforts.
Harish highlighted the “positive diplomatic momentum” generated by the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit earlier this month, expressing hope that it would translate into lasting peace. He commended the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, as well as Egypt and Qatar, for their roles in forging the agreement.
Reiterating India’s longstanding position, the ambassador said:
“The two-state solution is the only pragmatic path. Now is the time for all parties to support ongoing peace efforts, rather than to derail them.”
India has consistently advocated for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel within secure and recognized borders. Harish emphasized that dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international commitments are essential to achieving peace, and opposed any unilateral actions by concerned parties.
On the humanitarian front, Harish highlighted India’s support to Palestine, totaling over USD 170 million, including USD 40 million in ongoing projects and 135 metric tons of medicines and relief supplies in the past two years. He stressed that international support is critical for rebuilding Palestinian lives and establishing economic frameworks conducive to investment and employment.
India also addressed broader regional concerns, reaffirming its support for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and Yemen, and ongoing humanitarian efforts. Harish paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, killed in December 2024 while serving as Acting Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), noting India’s role as the third-largest troop contributor.
“Peace and calm on the Palestinian front have implications for the wider region… Talks must continue, and there must be abiding faith in the efficacy of dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
India called for the continuation of diplomatic efforts, immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen, and protection of civilians across conflict zones, reinforcing its commitment to a stable and peaceful Middle East.
