SRINAGAR: The Government of India has reaffirmed its condemnation of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel and voiced concern over the continuing loss of civilian lives in the Israel–Hamas conflict, while outlining its humanitarian assistance to Palestine in a reply to the Lok Sabha.
Responding to an unstarred question from Agha Ruhullah, MP from Srinagar, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi said India has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. She stressed that India has also urged the safe, timely and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
Since the conflict began, India has supplied around 70 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid in 2023, including 16.5 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies dispatched in two tranches in October and November. In 2024, India sent a further 65 metric tonnes of medical consignments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the Palestine Ministry of Health. These shipments included a wide range of essential medicines, cancer drugs, antibiotics, inhalers, and surgical kits.
Over the last five years, India has completed projects worth USD 26 million in Palestine. It has also contributed USD 27.5 million to UNRWA since 2020–21 and continues to provide capacity-building support through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and ICCR scholarships.
Lekhi said India’s approach combines immediate relief with long-term development cooperation, reflecting its sustained commitment to the welfare of the Palestinian people. At the same time, the government reiterated its readiness to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East, urging both Israel and Iran to avoid escalation and pursue dialogue amid recent hostilities between the two countries.
Responding to a question from Dr Mallu Ravi in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, agreed upon on June 24, 2025, and stressed that “there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the region’s multiple conflicts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 13, expressing concern over the security situation and calling for the early restoration of peace and stability. Modi also spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on June 22, emphasising immediate de-escalation and reaffirming India’s support for regional stability.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate conversations with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on June 13 and with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 13 and June 27. The two also met in person on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on July 7 and the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on July 15.
Kirti Vardhan Singh told the House that India’s consistent message to both sides has been to utilise existing diplomatic channels, avoid actions that could inflame tensions, and seek long-term solutions through peaceful means.
