During his speech at the extraordinary meeting of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and its new partners on Israel’s war against the Palestinian people, Jaishankar reaffirmed his country’s position of defending dialogue and diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

He stated that restraint and immediate humanitarian support is imperative.

He described as deeply worrying the situation in the Middle East, with special attention to the Gaza Strip, which, he said, is causing immense suffering to civilians, mainly the elderly, women and children.

The Indian Foreign Minister also welcomed the efforts of the international community to reduce tension and stressed that it is imperative to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief reaches the people of Gaza effectively and safely.

It is also imperative that all hostages are released. We believe there is a universal obligation to respect international humanitarian law, he said.

Jaishankar expressed the view that the post October 7 events have further deepened the concern of the world by witnessing large scale civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis, which he strongly condemned.

He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in talks with various leaders from the region and other parts of the world has stressed the need to create conditions for peace and restart direct and meaningful negotiations.

He noted that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a serious and sustainable manner, which ratifies as a solution the creation of two states based on peaceful coexistence, he said.

We have consistently supported international efforts to this end, he said.

The Indian foreign minister affirmed that his country has always supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and the strengthening of their national institutions.

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