RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2316
ANSWERED ON- 20/03/2025
INDIA’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
2316. SHRI VIVEK K. TANKHA:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the manner in which India is positioning itself diplomatically in response to the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially in light of changing dynamics in the Middle East;
(b) whether Government plans to leverage its ties with both Israel and Arab nations to mediate or contribute to peace-building efforts in the region; and
(c) the specific steps being taken to protect the interests and safety of Indian citizens living in conflict-affected areas in the Middle East?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b) India’s policy towards Palestine has been long standing. We support a negotiated two State solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and also the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict. India has consistently called for release of all hostages, ceasefire and peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India welcomed the January 2025 agreement for the release of hostages and ceasefire in Gaza. India has emphasized the need for safe, timely, and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs have spoken to several leaders in the region and across the globe, including President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel and President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine. India’s position has been reiterated in various bilateral and multilateral forums such as UN, BRICS, NAM, Voice of Global South, etc. Prime Minister met the Palestine President on the sidelines of Summit of the Future in New York on 22 September 2024 and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to path of dialogue and diplomacy.
(c) Government accords highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians abroad. The Indian Missions in foreign countries remain in touch with the host government authorities for safety and security of Indian nationals.
In West Asia, government issued periodic advisories as required by developments in the region and security assessment, to caution Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Additionally, Indian Missions actively reached out to Indian nationals in these countries and coordinated with host government authorities to ensure their safety and security. Indian Missions also issued advisories requesting Indian Nationals to avoid unnecessary travel and remain in touch with the Indian Mission on published helpline numbers.
Government launched evacuation operations in coordination with other stakeholders in Government of India to safely evacuate stranded Indian nationals from the conflict zones. 24x7 Control Rooms were operated at headquarters and at our Missions to facilitate the evacuation process. On 11 October 2023, Government of India launched Operation Ajay to facilitate return of Indian nationals from Israel and a total of 1343 persons including 1309 Indian nationals returned to India in 6 special flights. On 10 December 2024, Government of India launched an operation to evacuate Indian nationals from Syria, in close coordination with our Missions in Syria and Lebanon, following our assessment of the security situation and a total of 77 Indian nationals were evacuated.
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