New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday condemned the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty in the wake of Israel’s air strikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders that triggered fears of further escalation of the already fragile situation in the region.
The prime minister’s rare criticism directed at Israel came after he spoke to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and conveyed India’s “deep concern” at the attacks in Doha.
Israel carried out the air strikes on the Qatari capital Doha Tuesday in the latest in a series of attacks it launched against Syria, Iran and Lebanon. The attack on Doha triggered global outrage.
“Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha,” Modi said on social media.
“India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation,” he said.
The prime minister said India “stands firmly” in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Following the attack, Hamas said five of its members were killed in the Israeli air strike. However, it said Israel’s attempt to assassinate its leaders “failed”.
Hamas said its negotiating team was holding deliberations to discuss a proposal from the US for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at a building where the attack took place.
India has strong economic ties with Qatar, which is home to more than 8,30,000 Indian nationals. Qatar is also India’s largest LNG supplier.
The prime minister’s rebuke came days after India joined other member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in strongly condemning the military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran.
The SCO summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin also condemned actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
PM Modi was among the leaders who attended the SCO summit.
“Reiterating their deep concern over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states strongly condemn the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” the SCO declaration said.
It said the SCO leaders noted that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is through a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.
“Member States strongly condemned the military strikes by Israel and the US against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June,” it said.
“Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the death of civilians, are a gross violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and an infringement on the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said.
PM Modi’s comments Wednesday are seen as very significant. He had previously condemned the deaths of civilians in the Israel-Hamas conflict during a speech in 2023.
“Bharat has condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Israel October 7. We have also emphasised dialogue and diplomacy besides restraints,” Modi said in his address at the second Voice of Global South Summit November 17 that year.
“We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. After talking to President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. It is time that the countries of the Global South speak with one voice for the greater global good,” he had said.
Israel has been continuing its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation against the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas October 7.
Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others, some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire.
Over 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza.
India has been calling for de-escalation of the situation and creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
PTI