PM Modi Commends Donald Trump’s Role in Facilitating Peace Amid Gaza Ceasefire
India Welcomes Release of Hamas Hostages as PM Modi Hails Trump’s Peace Efforts
All 20 remaining hostages held by Hamas have been returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to welcome their release. Modi also expressed India’s support for US President Donald Trump’s “sincere efforts” to achieve peace in the region.
The announcement came just hours before President Trump, along with other world leaders, signed a Gaza ceasefire agreement at a peace summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Representing India at the summit, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reiterated the country’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution and emphasized India’s commitment to efforts aimed at lasting regional peace.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India welcomed the landmark agreement and hoped it would contribute to enduring stability in the region.
Hostage Release as Part of Trump’s Gaza Plan
Earlier on Monday, Hamas released the hostages as part of the first phase of President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative. Commenting on the development, PM Modi tweeted:
"We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump, and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu."
Modi added, "We support President Trump's sincere efforts to bring peace to the region."
President Trump addressed the Israeli parliament before traveling to Sharm el-Sheikh for the peace summit, which he co-hosted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s position, stating:
"India stands for peace in the Middle East and resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy. We support the Gaza peace plan of President Trump and appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their important roles in achieving this breakthrough and advancing the path to peace."
The MEA added that the summit aimed to strengthen regional peace and stability in line with Trump’s vision, and affirmed that India will continue supporting initiatives towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Details of the Gaza Peace Plan
Under the agreement, Israel has committed to releasing nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees. In his address to the Israeli parliament, Trump described the plan as “the dawn of a new Middle East” and stated that the region now has a chance for “a beautiful and much brighter future.”
"After two harrowing years of darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the embrace of their families," Trump said.
At the peace summit, he emphasized that this agreement represents a historic moment:
"For the first time, the Middle East crisis has united people rather than driving them apart. We declare that our future will not be ruled by the conflicts of previous generations, which is foolish. Together, let us continue in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that has finally brought us to this breakthrough."
The ceasefire officially came into effect on Friday.
Background: The Gaza Conflict
The recent conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israeli cities, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. Some hostages had been released earlier. Since then, Israeli military operations have reportedly killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire, with severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Last month, the World Health Organization reported that malnutrition rates in the region had reached alarming levels, raising concerns about the well-being of children and vulnerable populations.
Vision for a Stable Gaza
Under the terms of the peace plan, Gaza is set to become a “deradicalized, terror-free zone”, posing no threat to neighboring countries. The plan also includes efforts to redevelop the Strip for the benefit of its people, aiming to restore basic services and infrastructure while fostering stability and security.
Global Significance
The Gaza ceasefire agreement, facilitated in large part by Trump’s initiative, has drawn praise from multiple countries and international organizations. Leaders have highlighted the release of hostages as a key humanitarian achievement and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to prevent future conflicts.
For India, the development aligns with its broader foreign policy objective of promoting peace in the Middle East. By backing a negotiated two-state solution and supporting international efforts to stabilize the region, India aims to contribute constructively to long-term solutions that balance security, governance, and humanitarian needs.
Looking Forward
While the ceasefire represents a critical step toward peace, analysts note that maintaining stability in Gaza will require ongoing diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation, and close monitoring of humanitarian needs. The involvement of key players like the US, Egypt, Qatar, and India underscores the importance of multilateral efforts in ensuring the safety and welfare of civilians, as well as advancing conflict resolution.
The success of this agreement could serve as a model for future conflict resolution in the Middle East, demonstrating the role of sustained diplomacy, international cooperation, and the protection of human rights.
