India has expressed its willingness to work with all stakeholders in the Gaza conflict to restore peace and stability in West Asia, reiterating its support for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Speaking at the UN Security Council’s debate on Palestine, India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish stated, “It is India’s desire to see peace and calm prevail in West Asia, and we stand ready to work closely with all concerned stakeholders towards realising this vision.”

India, maintaining strong ties with both Israel and Palestine, took a balanced approach. Harish condemned terrorism while urging that all grievances must be resolved through peaceful means.

“Terrorism is unacceptable, whatever be the grievances, which must be addressed only through peaceful means,” he said, referencing the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel, which India was among the first to condemn.

He acknowledged the renewed hostilities since the collapse of the temporary ceasefire, stressing the humanitarian toll: “Civilians, including women and children, are the biggest casualties in any conflict.”

Calling for urgent action, he said, “A ceasefire must be in place at the earliest, humanitarian assistance must flow without any hurdles, and all hostages must be released.”

India urged all parties to reject violence and return to the negotiation table. “Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward,” Harish said, reaffirming India’s support for a two-state solution enabling Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully as sovereign nations.