Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced strong endorsement for U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic initiatives on Monday, hours after Hamas released the last of its living hostages in a U.S.-mediated ceasefire deal that also secured the freedom of dozens of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. The breakthrough, finalised after 24 months of intermittent conflict that claimed over 41,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health authorities, and 1,200 Israelis in the initial October 7, 2023, assault, signals a tentative de-escalation in the region. Modi's statement aligns India with the emerging "new Middle East" narrative, emphasising dialogue amid its balanced ties with both Israel and Arab states.
In a concise address, PM Modi hailed the hostages' liberation as "a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump, and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu." He added, "We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region," underscoring India's preference for diplomacy over escalation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed this in a formal release, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to "peace in the Middle East and the resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy." The nod extends to mediators Egypt and Qatar, whose shuttle diplomacy facilitated the swap of 20 living captives—including the Berman twins—and four bodies in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees, per Israeli officials.
Trump, re-elected in November 2024 and sworn in in January 2025, addressed Israel's Knesset in Jerusalem earlier that day, receiving a standing ovation for proclaiming a "dawn of a new Middle East". His speech outlined a phased framework: hostage repatriation, Hamas disarmament under international oversight, and economic reconstruction for Gaza, backed by a $50 billion U.S.-led fund. "This is a historic day... Peace is no longer a dream—it is a choice," Trump declared, crediting backchannel talks initiated during his first term's Abraham Accords. The Sharm El-Sheikh summit in Egypt, convened post-ceasefire, places this blueprint at the forefront, with Modi dispatching Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar as India's envoy to signal active involvement.
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India's stance reflects its strategic calculus: deepening defence pacts with Israel—$3 billion in annual arms imports—while expanding trade with Gulf nations to $200 billion by 2030 via I2U2 and IMEC corridors. The two-state solution advocacy, a cornerstone since the 1990s, positions New Delhi as a neutral convener, though critics note its abstentions on UN Gaza resolutions.
As the summit progresses, focusing on border security and refugee returns, Modi's support bolsters Trump's leverage, potentially unlocking opportunities for Indian firms in Gaza's rebuild. Yet, with 28 hostage remains still held and Hamas vowing vigilance, the path to enduring stability remains fraught, testing the alliance's resilience.
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