Acknowledging India’s stance on the Gaza peace plan mooted by United States (US) President Donald Trump, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Tuesday that it reflects shared values of peace, development, and the fight against terrorism and radicalism. He also emphasised that India’s expertise, particularly in infrastructure, could make it a key partner in the region’s reconstruction.
On Monday, Trump unveiled a 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan requires Hamas to return all hostages, whether they are alive or deceased, within 72 hours of a ceasefire. The proposal also stipulates that Hamas should be excluded from any future governing roles in Palestine. The details of this plan were shared during a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump’s proposal, describing it as a step towards stability in the region. In a post on X, he wrote, “We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region.”
Azar noted that the plan has wide international support. During a media briefing in New Delhi Tuesday, Azar described the development as “historic”.
“What we saw yesterday in the White House was a presentation of a comprehensive plan to end the war in Gaza, but also a vision, a vision for the future,” he added.
“It has the backing of Arab countries that praised President Trump for the plan. It has the backing of Muslim countries. It has international backing. It has the backing of Prime Minister Modi, who just tweeted about his support. We are very thankful to Prime Minister Modi for his support of the plan,” he said. “We hope more and more countries can join us.”
Outlining the preconditions for Palestinian self-rule under the proposed framework, Azar emphasised governance and the rule of law as critical elements for the way forward.
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Enumerating the steps ahead, the Israeli envoy said once hostages are released, Israel would withdraw to the yellow line until it secures the designated security perimeter.
He also highlighted the constructive role of regional stakeholders, stating, “There is a sound Egyptian and Qatari position and a larger Arab consensus on Hamas. There is a chance that Hamas can accept it now.”
He also expressed hope that economic cooperation could follow. “We can share the economic success of Israel with Palestine. We are hoping for a timeline for Hamas to release hostages,” he said, noting that the timeframe is set at 72 hours.
India’s role in reconstruction of Gaza
Azar also noted that India’s expertise, particularly in infrastructure, could make it a key partner in the region’s reconstruction. He said Israel will be issuing tenders worth more than $200 billion over the next 10 years, with Indian companies invited to participate. He noted that Gaza’s rebuilding will require immense capabilities, and said India could contribute significantly towards shaping a peaceful and stable future for the region.
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“India has a lot to offer both in terms of friendship with the Palestinians and assistance in economic projects. It can be construction. It can be other elements,” he said, adding that the “the speedy response by PM Modi is a testament of how we want to create a situation in which we not only achieve security but also prosperity”.
“If this plan gets implemented, a lot of opportunities are going to be presented and India will be able to engage directly, both with the Americans, with Tony Blair, with other international players, international organisations, in seeing how they can be part of this,” he said. Former British Prime Minister Blair is set to become a key figure on a new body that will oversee the reconstruction and transitional governance of Gaza.
Earlier in the day, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt welcomed the US proposal to end the Gaza conflict. However, Azar added that it was now up to Hamas (to agree to the peace plan). If they don’t, Israel will have to continue its military action, he added.
