India backs US peace plan for Gaza in talks with Israeli FM

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has reiterated his country's support for the United States' plan to end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The endorsement came during a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, as part of Jaishankar's regional tour that included a stop in the United Arab Emirates.

Support conditional on a lasting outcome

According to reports from Israeli media, Jaishankar expressed hope for regional peace and indicated that India backs President Donald Trump's proposal to halt the fighting. He emphasized that such support is contingent on the plan paving the way for a "lasting and sustainable solution" to the conflict. The US initiative includes a phased ceasefire, beginning with a hostage-prisoner exchange, followed by reconstruction efforts and the establishment of a new governance structure in Gaza that excludes Hamas.

Context of the devastating conflict

The diplomatic discussions occur against the backdrop of a war that has inflicted massive casualties. Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli military operations since October 2023 have killed approximately 70,700 people, predominantly women and children, and injured over 171,000 others. A temporary ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, providing a fragile pause that diplomatic efforts aim to make permanent.

India's balancing act and regional diplomacy

India's position reflects its complex diplomatic ties, maintaining strong relations with Israel while also advocating for Palestinian welfare and a two-state solution. This balanced approach differs from the more pronounced pro-Palestinian stance of other major regional powers like Türkiye, which calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, criticizing plans that sideline Palestinian political unity.