Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated India’s “continued support” for the people of Palestine and welcomed ongoing peace initiatives, including the Gaza peace plan, during his meeting with foreign ministers of Arab nations in New Delhi.
The interaction took place on the sidelines of the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM). According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi also expressed appreciation for the Arab League’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.
“The prime minister reiterated India’s continued support for the people of Palestine and welcomed ongoing peace efforts, including the Gaza peace plan,” the PMO said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between India and the Arab world, Modi said the historic people-to-people connections have continued to inspire and strengthen relations between the two sides over the years. He outlined his vision for the future of the India-Arab partnership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening cooperation across sectors.
Sharing a photograph with the visiting Arab ministers on X, Modi wrote that the Arab world is an integral part of India’s wider neighbourhood, bound by civilisational links, strong fraternal ties and a shared commitment to peace, progress and stability. He expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in technology, energy, trade and innovation would open new horizons for the partnership.
Modi’s remarks on Gaza came even as India is yet to take a decision on joining the proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative unveiled by US President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to resolve global conflicts, starting with the Gaza conflict. Trump had extended an invitation to Modi through a letter shared on social media by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
The ‘Board of Peace’ was announced as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, signed in October 2025. The board, reportedly to be chaired for life by Trump, would initially focus on Gaza before expanding to other global conflicts. Membership would be limited to three-year terms, unless countries contribute $1 billion each for permanent membership.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian said India is “uniquely positioned” to play a mediating role in achieving lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Speaking to NDTV during her visit to New Delhi, she stressed the urgency of dialogue and diplomacy amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
“There is no more time for wars,” she said, noting that India was among the first countries to send humanitarian aid through Egypt and has supported development projects in the West Bank. She added that India has consistently stood for humanitarian principles and respect for international law.