Gandhinagar (Gujarat):

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz on Monday to discuss the current situation in West Asia.

During the phone call, the leaders of the two countries discussed India’s views, evaluation and interests on this matter. S Jaishankar and Israel Katz agreed to stay in touch.

Jaishankar said in a post on

Great to talk to Israel FM @Israel_katz.

The current situation in West Asia was discussed. The Indian side’s views, evaluation and interests on this matter were discussed.

Agree to stay in touch.

–PhD. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2024

On October 7, Israel launched a counterattack against Hamas attacks, and the war in Gaza continues. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7.

However, India also continues to support a “two-state solution” to the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As part of its commitment, India has also provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. In early December, India on Thursday released the second tranche of $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). India has also completed its annual contribution of $5 million for 2023-24, the Indian Embassy in Palestine said in a statement.

On January 19, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the pressing issues of the conflict in Gaza while stressing the need for a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis.

“Terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable,” Jaishankar said in a national statement of India at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala. He stressed the importance of respect for international humanitarian law by all countries involved.

“The conflict in Gaza is understandably our top concern at the moment. This humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that provides immediate relief to those most affected,” the EAM said.

He also said: “We must also be clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable. At the same time, international humanitarian law must always be respected by all countries.”

Referring to the conflict in Gaza, Jaishankar added that “the conflict must not spread within and outside the region”.

Reiterating India’s long-term stance on a two-state solution, the external affairs minister said: “But at the end of the day, we must seek a two-state solution that enables the Palestinian people to live within secure borders. Our collective efforts should be focused on making this a Reality.”

Jaishankar stressed that collective efforts should be focused on achieving this solution and promoting peace and stability. He also stressed the interconnectedness of global issues, noting that growth and progress depended on peace and stability.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)