What happened?
India expressed its support for the recently announced ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas that will come into effect from January 19, 2025.
Why it matters to India
Issuing a statement on January 16, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while welcoming “the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza,” reiterated India’s long-standing position of calling for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to diplomacy and dialogue. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire is crucial for India’s interests in the Middle East, such as the safety and well-being of its diaspora, and most notably for its plans to push for the Middle East Europe corridor.