NEW DELHI: Amid the threat of a wider regional conflict in West Asia following the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah by Israel, PM Modi spoke on Monday to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu expressing solidarity on the issue of terrorism while also underlining the need to prevent regional escalation. Modi said there’s no place for terrorism in the world.
The PM also underscored India’s commitment to supporting peace efforts.He had last week also met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on the margins of UNGA and expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Terrorism has no place in our world: PM Modi to Netanyahu
While meeting Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on the margins of UNGA last week, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s continued support to the people of Palestine.
“Spoke to PM Netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability,” said Modi on X.
The killing of Nasrallah has sparked fears of a full-fledged war between Israel and Iran, and of plunging the entire region into conflict. Given India’s energy interests, a nine-million strong diaspora in the Gulf region and ongoing efforts to get the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) initiative going, it’s important for India that peace is restored at the earliest. Govt, however, while calling upon Israel to follow international humanitarian law and seeking and end to civilian deaths, has maintained there can be no justification for terrorism and has repeatedly condemned the Oct 7 Hamas terrorist attacks.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon last week killed seven high-ranking commanders and officials from the Hezbollah militant group, including its leader Nasrallah.
The situation seems to have taken a turn for the worse with Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing Nasrallah’s death “will not be in vain”, and first Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref saying it would bring about Israel’s “destruction”.