PM Modi Calls For Ceasefire In West Asia

By OB Bureau On Sep 24, 2024

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a ceasefire in West Asia. He met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future on September 24 and reiterated his stance on the two-state solution to end volatility in the region and pushed for the release of hostages.

He also pushed for a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to ensure stability and end the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza alongside the deteriorating security situation in the region.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support to the people of Palestine and vowed to provide continued humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Modi “reiterated India’s time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA statement read.

Reminding that India was among the first countries to recognise Palestine, he also conveyed the nation’s support for Palestine to become a member of the United Nations.

“The two leaders held constructive discussion on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India’s support to Palestine at the United Nations and ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity building efforts,” the statement said. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen India-Palestine bilateral relations, it added.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that President Abbas thanked Prime Minister Modi for the assistance that India had provided and “hoped that India would continue to play its role for bringing peace in the region”.

“Our fundamental position on the Palestine issue remains what it has long been. In the present context, there’s much greater urgency related to issues of humanitarian assistance and support, which we have continued to provide and will continue to provide,” Misri said.

He added that Abbas explicitly stated “that he was very appreciative of India’s support, not just for humanitarian assistance, but also for India’s political support to Palestine on the international stage”.

After concluding the bilateral meeting with Abbas, PM Modi wrote on X, “Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Reiterated India’s support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views of further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine.”