Dr. S Jaishankar Emphasises Humanitarian Aid and Two-State Solution at BRICS Meeting

India has said that it welcomes all efforts of the international community towards de-escalation as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing immense human suffering.

In his address at the the virtual extraordinary joint meeting of BRICS,  External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that there is an urgent need to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief effectively and safely reach the population of Gaza.

He added that it is also imperative that all hostages are released. He said, we believe that there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law.

Dr Jaishankar further stated that along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support, India also emphasizes the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. He informed that Prime Minister  Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region and across the world in this context and highlighted the need to create conditions for



peace and restart direct and meaningful peace negotiations.

 

In his address, the External Affairs Minister said that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a serious and sustainable manner and this can only happen with a two-state solution that is based on peaceful co-existence. He added that India has been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end. 

He informed that  India's economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial support to the Palestinian Authority reflect its position. He said, India remains supportive of the UN Relief and Welfare Agency's role and has been contributing five  5 million US dollars annually.

In response to the crisis in Gaza, he said that India has also sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies and its  relief assistance will continue.