Context
- During a meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Indian PM Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, calling it a “comprehensive and viable pathway to peace.”
Key Highlights
- Proposal Details
- Aims for long-term sustainable peace:
- Security guarantees for Israel.
- Statehood for Palestine.
- Suggests a temporary transitional governance mechanism – “Board of Peace” – for Gaza.
- Calls for Israel’s withdrawal from parts of Gaza within 72 hours of hostage release.
- Presented as a two-state solution framework.
- India’s Stand
- Endorses peace efforts that ensure:
- Security for Israel.
- Development and rights for Palestinians.
- Reiterates India’s consistent support for a two-state solution.
- PM Modi emphasized international cooperation as essential for durable peace.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims
- India’s position: Two-state solution (Israel & Palestine living side by side in peace).
- Key locations: Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jerusalem (often asked in map-based questions).
- Global Role: US involvement in West Asia peace processes.
Mains (GS-II: International Relations)
- India’s balanced diplomacy in West Asia:
- Strong ties with Israel (defence, technology, agriculture).
- Historical and strategic support to Palestinian statehood.
- Reflects India’s strategic autonomy: supporting both sides, while aligning with global peace frameworks.
- Implications for India:
- Energy security in West Asia.
- Safety of Indian diaspora in Gulf.
- Counter-terrorism cooperation.