September 9th 2024.
During the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's deep concern for the situation in Gaza. He stated that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is India's foremost concern and that New Delhi supports a ceasefire as soon as possible.
Jaishankar reiterated India's principled and consistent stance on the issue, condemning acts of terrorism and hostage taking while also expressing deep distress over the loss of innocent civilian lives. He emphasized the importance of considering humanitarian law in any response and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 250 others. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, causing widespread destruction and the deaths of approximately 40,000 people. Despite efforts, a ceasefire has yet to be reached.
Jaishankar also highlighted India's support for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution and the country's contributions to building Palestinian institutions and capacities. He mentioned India's efforts to provide relief and increase support to UNRWA in the current humanitarian crisis.
The GCC, comprising of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, is an influential grouping. Jaishankar noted that the total volume of India's trade with GCC countries stands at USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23.
The minister expressed his pleasure at participating in the meeting and stated that it was an opportunity to not only reflect on past achievements but also chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future. He emphasized the strong bonds between India and the GCC, rooted in history, culture, and shared values.
Jaishankar proposed the framework of 3Ps - People, Prosperity, and Progress - to contemplate the partnership between India and the GCC. He highlighted the important role of the Indian diaspora, with close to 9 million Indians living and working in GCC countries, acting as a living bridge between the two sides.
The minister also noted the significant growth in trade between India and the GCC, encompassing a wide range of goods and services that drive the economies and create jobs. He called for further investment in each other's future to support continued prosperity.
Jaishankar identified the GCC as a cornerstone of global energy supply and noted India's role as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets. He emphasized the need for deeper collaboration to stabilize markets, drive innovation, and enhance energy security.
The minister also highlighted the potential for partnership in areas such as renewables, technology, innovation, health, space, and education to help realize the respective national goals of India and the GCC.
Jaishankar stated that the relationship between India and the GCC is built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. He emphasized the larger goal of advancing progress in a world characterized by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability.
The minister acknowledged the central place of the Gulf region in contemporary geopolitics and the shared commitment to global peace, security, and stability. He noted how the pandemic highlighted the importance of the partnership for health security, food security, and maritime security.
In a world moving towards multipolarity, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of cooperating on connectivity and supporting each other's aspirations. He called upon the platform to deepen ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future.
Overall, the minister's remarks highlighted the strong and multifaceted relationship between India and the GCC, underlining the importance of working together towards a peaceful and prosperous future.
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