NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the release of hostages held by Hamas for over two years, praising the move as a symbol of resilience and expressing strong support for US President Donald Trump’s renewed peace efforts in the Middle East.
“We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity,” Modi said.
“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. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region.”
Modi’s remarks came just hours after Hamas freed all living hostages in a US-brokered ceasefire deal that also saw Israel release dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement, hailed as a breakthrough after months of backchannel diplomacy, marks the most significant de-escalation since the latest Gaza conflict erupted.
President Trump, who played a central role in brokering the deal, addressed the Israeli parliament on Monday, declaring a “dawn of a new Middle East” and pledging continued American engagement to secure long-term peace.
Trump’s remarks in Jerusalem were met with a standing ovation in the Knesset. “This is a historic day not just for Israel and Palestine, but for the entire Middle East,” he said. “The release of hostages is only the beginning. Peace is no longer a dream — it is a choice we must make.”
In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India reaffirmed its commitment to peace and diplomacy in the Middle East, underscoring its support for dialogue-based solutions to ongoing conflicts.
"India stands for peace in the Middle East and the resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA said, emphasizing its endorsement of the Trump-led initiative aimed at stabilizing the region following the ceasefire.
The summit was convened in the wake of a landmark ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the successful release of all remaining hostages. It marks one of the first major diplomatic initiatives under Trump’s renewed global engagement efforts, following his re-election to the US presidency in 2024.
India also acknowledged the crucial mediating roles played by Egypt and Qatar, whose behind-the-scenes diplomacy helped pave the way for the ceasefire and the convening of the summit. "We appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace," the Indian statement noted.
Aligning with the summit’s broader objectives, India reiterated its long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and mutual respect.
“This is also in line with India’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution. India will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region,” the MEA affirmed.
The Sharm El-Sheikh summit is being seen as a renewed multilateral effort to consolidate peace in the region after years of recurring violence, with Trump’s proposed Gaza peace framework at the center of discussions.
