New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia have aligned on their stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution to resolve the long-standing Palestinian issue.
“India has consistently stood for resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in New Delhi.
During a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Jaishankar emphasised New Delhi’s “principled and consistent” position on Israel’s war on Gaza. While condemning acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, India expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian casualties in Gaza.
“Any response must take into account the international humanitarian law. We support an early ceasefire,” Jaishankar declared, echoing Saudi Arabia’s call for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.
“While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the international humanitarian law. We support an early ceasefire,” Jaishankar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
India’s position is firmly anchored in its support for a two-state solution, a principled stand that has remained consistent over the years. “India has consistently stood for resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution,” Jaishankar said, further reiterating India’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The meeting, co-chaired by the two foreign ministers as part of the second meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), highlighted the growing collaboration between the two countries. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen their strategic partnership in areas such as trade, investment, energy, defence, security, culture, and consular matters.
Prince Faisal emphasised the importance of coordination and collaboration on issues of mutual interest, particularly in areas related to international peace, security, and economic development.
The ministers also reviewed the progress in the bilateral relationship since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in September 2023, the external affairs ministry said in a readout. They acknowledged the significant strides made in recent years in defence cooperation, including the first land forces joint exercise in 2024 and two editions of joint naval exercises. “And our cooperation has now expanded in the field of defence industry and exports as well,” Jaishankar said.
Security cooperation has also grown, with both countries collaborating in counter-terrorism, combating extremism, terror financing, and drug trafficking. EAM S Jaishankar also paid his gratitude to the Saudi government for giving shelter to the 2.6 million Indian community living in Saudi Arabia.
