India backs early Gaza truce: EAM Jaishankar to Saudi counterpart

NEW DELHI: In a meeting with his Saudi Arabia counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud , external affairs minister S Jaishankar underlined India’s support for an early Gaza ceasefire, saying while India condemns acts of terrorism and hostage taking, it’s deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians and that any response must take into account the international humanitarian law .

Jaishankar told the visiting minister India recognises Saudi as an important force for stability in the region. He expressed concern over the situation in west Asia, particularly the conflict in Gaza. “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,” said Jaishankar, underscoring India’s “principled and consistent” position on the issue. The ministers reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, culture and consular matters as they co-chaired the second ministerial meeting of the political, security, social and cultural committee of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.