Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a rare rebuke of Israel for violating Qatar's sovereignty through airstrikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders, expressing deep concern over potential regional escalation and reaffirming India's commitment to dialogue and peace. In a phone call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Modi highlighted the need to avoid further conflict, aligning with recent SCO condemnations and underscoring India's balanced stance in the Israel-Hamas war. This development reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics, where economic ties and humanitarian concerns influence India's foreign policy, potentially impacting international efforts to resolve the protracted Middle East crisis and fostering calls for a two-state solution.
Modi's statement, shared on social media, followed Israel's Tuesday airstrikes on Doha—the latest in a series against Syria, Iran, and Lebanon—which drew global outrage. "India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy and avoiding escalation," he declared, emphasising India's firm opposition to terrorism while supporting regional stability. Hamas reported five members killed but claimed the assassination attempt on its leaders failed, noting the strike hit a building during ceasefire deliberations on a US proposal for Gaza.
The criticism echoes India's position at the recent SCO summit in Tianjin, where Modi and other leaders condemned Israeli and US strikes on Iran as violations of international law and decried the Gaza humanitarian catastrophe with numerous civilian casualties. The SCO declaration stressed a comprehensive Palestinian settlement as key to Middle East peace. Modi's remarks build on his 2023 condemnation of civilian deaths in the Israel-Hamas conflict, following Hamas's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted over 220, with Israel's retaliation claiming over 60,000 lives in Gaza per local authorities.
India advocates de-escalation and direct negotiations for a two-state solution, bolstered by strong Qatar ties: home to over 830,000 Indians and India's top LNG supplier. The Emir thanked Modi for solidarity, appreciating Qatar's mediation in Gaza for ceasefire and hostage release. This episode may strain India-Israel relations while strengthening SCO alliances, highlighting the challenges of balancing strategic partnerships in a volatile region.