India calls for de-escalation in Gaza, emphasizes dialogue in Ukraine conflict

India has called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza while emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar articulated India's stance during the 14th East Asia Summit's Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

Jaishankar addressed two of the world's most pressing conflicts: the Israel-Palestine situation leading to turmoil in Gaza, and the Ukraine-Russia war. He underscored the significance of the East Asia Summit (EAS) process, a decade of India's Act East Policy, and the necessity of open maritime communication for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

On July 15, India contributed USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to support the agency's core programs and services. This was the first installment of a total of USD 5 million that India donates annually. India has consistently supported a two-state solution for Gaza and has called for de-escalation and restraint on a humanitarian basis.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister reiterated India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to achieve peace. India has been vocal on various platforms, advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts and underscoring the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts.