NEW DELHI: As major troop contributing countries to the UN, India and Spain condemned the attacks on the UN Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) and highlighted that the safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured by all.
Inviolability of UN premises and the sanctity of their mandate must be respected by all, they said in a joint statement after a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez.
Amid allegations that Israel had fired at peacekeepers in south Lebanon, India had earlier this month joined close to 40 other countries in strongly condemning attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers.
The two leaders also unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible. “They called for the immediate release of all hostages, immediate ceasefire, and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law,” said the joint statement, while backing the implementation of the Two-State solution.
The leaders discussed the Ukraine situation too, expressing their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterating the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. “They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict,” said the joint statement.
Both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, supported by effective regional institutions.