Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Riyadh for the GCC meeting, expressed concern over the horrific massacre going on in Gaza. He said that the current situation in Gaza is India’s biggest concern. Presenting India’s side in front of the Gulf countries, he said that we support a ceasefire in this region as soon as possible. A fierce war has been going on between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip for the last 11 months. More than 42 thousand people have been killed in Gaza alone in this massacre. The entire area of ​​​​the Gaza Strip has turned into a crematorium.
S Jaishankar commented on Gaza at the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue in Riyadh. He said, “The current situation in Gaza is now our biggest concern. India’s stand in this regard has been principled and consistent. We condemn incidents of terrorism and hostage-taking, but we are deeply saddened by the continued deaths of innocent civilians.” Jaishankar said that any action should keep in mind the principles of humanitarian law. He said, “We support a ceasefire as soon as possible.”
India supports two-nation solution
On October 7 last year, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel, killing 1200 people and kidnapping 250 others. According to local health officials, Israel carried out attacks in Gaza, causing widespread devastation and killing about 42,000 people. Jaishankar said that India has consistently stood for the solution of the Palestinian issue through a two-nation solution. He said that India has also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. The Foreign Minister said, “As far as the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and extended our support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).”
what is gcc
The GCC is an influential group, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. India’s total trade with GCC countries stood at US$ 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23. Jaishankar said that it is a great pleasure for him to participate in the first India-GCC ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue. He said that this meeting is an opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements but also to chart an ambitious and far-reaching path for the future.
Historical ties between India and GCC
He said, “Relations between India and the GCC are rooted in a rich fabric of history, culture and shared values. These ties have strengthened over time and evolved into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people ties and beyond.” He said, “Relations between our people are the foundation of our relationship. Nearly 9 million Indians live here, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contribution to your economic progress is widely recognised. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and convenience.”
Jaishankar said, “Our partnership in the areas of renewable energy, technology and innovation, health, space and education can also help realize our respective national goals.” Describing the important place of the Gulf region in contemporary geopolitics, the minister said that “in a world polarized by conflict and tension, we are committed to global peace, security and stability.” Jaishankar said, “Similarly, the demand for AI, electric mobility and green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources. Conflict and tension bring to the fore the importance of cooperation on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can mutually support each other’s aspirations.”
“Let us use this platform to deepen our ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future,” he said.