Sharm el-Sheikh/New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) India today said it will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the Middle East region, even as it welcomed the release of all hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal, and praised the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump.
India’s statement came as Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh today attended the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, as a special representative of Prime Minister Modi.
In a post on X, PM Modi voiced support for President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the Middle East region.
He said in the post: “We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region.”
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X: “MoS @KVSinghMPGonda, as special representative of PM @narendramodi, attended the Gaza Peace Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh co-hosted by Presidents @realDonaldTrump and @AlsisiOfficial
“India welcomes the signing of the landmark Peace Agreement and hopes that this will lead to lasting peace in the region.
“This is a reflection of India’s longstanding commitment to dialogue & diplomacy.”
A statement said: “India stands for peace in the Middle East and resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy. We support the Gaza peace plan of President Trump and appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace.
“Held following the release of all remaining hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the summit was aimed at strengthening efforts for regional peace and stability, in line with President Trump’s vision for lasting peace in the region.
“This is also in line with India’s long standing support for a negotiated two State solution. India will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region.”
MoS KV Singh, in a post on X, said along with a video of him meeting President Trump: “At the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shared the stage with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant moment in diplomatic engagement and international cooperation.”
He also interacted with Egyptian President Al-Sisi, and posted about the interaction.
“It was a privilege to meet with His Excellency President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt during the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh. Egypt and India share a significant and vibrant strategic partnership. The Summit underscored the global commitment to peace and dialogue. India reaffirms its unwavering dedication to peace, stability, and enduring security within the Middle East.”
Following a US-brokered peace deal, all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held by the terror group Hamas were released from captivity in Gaza today and returned to Israel. The release was part of a broader ceasefire agreement following two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
In return, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinians, including 250 prisoners serving long or life sentences and over 1,700 detainees held since the October 7, 2023, attack. While all living hostages have been returned, the remains of an estimated 28 deceased hostages are yet to be handed over by Hamas.
On Monday, the remains of only four of the 28 were returned. The exchange followed a deal brokered by the United States, with support from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Israel and Egypt to mark the occasion.
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