Diplomatic Stance: PM Modi Affirms India's Support for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Advocates a Two-State Solution

In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sat down for a comprehensive interview with the UK-based Financial Times. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from India's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue to the state of India-US relations, the prosperity of religious minorities, and responses to allegations of dissent suppression.

PM Modi began by reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause while maintaining a robust partnership with Israel. Despite the evolving relationship with Tel Aviv, he emphasized India's historical stance as a strong supporter of Palestinian rights. In the interview, he reiterated India's support for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace in the region. PM Modi revealed that India has already dispatched humanitarian aid to Gaza and expressed backing for additional relief materials to be sent to the strip amidst the ongoing crisis.

"I remain in touch with the leaders in the region," stated PM Modi, "If there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, we will certainly do so."

The interview shed light on India's role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, showcasing the delicate balance India maintains while fostering strong ties with both nations. PM Modi, who made history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, assured that despite this closeness, India is ready to contribute to peace efforts in strife-torn Gaza.

Shifting the focus to India-US relations, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the current state of affairs, describing the relationship as "broader, deeper, and warmer than ever before." While leaving the characterization of the bilateral ties to observers, he highlighted the broad engagement and deep understanding between the two nations.

On the topic of India's Muslim minority, PM Modi chose to point to the economic success of the Parsees, a smaller religious community in India. Without explicitly addressing the Muslim population, he argued that the prosperity and lack of discrimination faced by the Parsees were evidence of India's inclusive society.

"Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, they have found a haven in India, living happily and prospering. That shows that the Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority," he stated.

Responding to allegations of suppressing dissent, PM Modi laughed off the accusations, asserting that critics freely exercise their rights through various media platforms. He defended the right to counter allegations with facts, emphasizing the existence of a diverse ecosystem using freedom available in the country to voice their opinions.

"There is a whole ecosystem that is using the freedom available in our country to hurl these allegations at us every day, through editorials, TV channels, social media, videos, tweets, etc. They have the right to do so. But others have an equal right to respond with facts," he said.

The interview delved into the aspirations of the Indian people, with PM Modi noting a shift in expectations over the past decade. He remarked that citizens realize that the nation is on the cusp of a take-off and advocated for accelerated progress. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in his party, the BJP, to fulfil these aspirations.

In response to criticisms regarding the health of Indian democracy, PM Modi argued that such allegations not only insult the citizens but also underestimate their commitment to diversity and democracy.

"Our critics are entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them. However, there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticisms," he said.

The interview provided a comprehensive insight into India's foreign policy, domestic priorities, and the Prime Minister's perspective on critical global issues. PM Modi's statements showcased India's delicate diplomatic balancing act, commitment to inclusive development, and the belief in the nation's potential for accelerated progress.