India Welcomes Trump’s 20-Point Plan to End Israel-Hamas Conflict, Modi Calls It a “Viable Pathway”

India on Tuesday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the initiative as a “viable pathway” for long-term peace and development for both Palestinian and Israeli people.

Trump unveiled the plan on Monday at the White House during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Key features include:

• Ceasefire and Hostage Release: All hostages held by Hamas, alive or dead, to be returned within 72 hours of a ceasefire. Israeli military operations will be suspended and battle lines frozen during the process.

• Prisoner Exchange and Amnesty: Israel to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 2023. Hamas members willing to commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will receive amnesty, with safe passage offered to those wishing to leave Gaza.

• Governance and Aid: Gaza will be temporarily governed by a “technocratic, apolitical” committee of Palestinians and international experts, overseen by a Board of Peace led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Humanitarian aid will be delivered uninterrupted through the UN and related agencies.

• Economic Development: Gaza will be redeveloped as “New Gaza” with a special economic zone, international expert guidance, and modern infrastructure development.

• Security and Demilitarisation: Hamas and other factions will give up any governing role in Gaza, and military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons facilities, will be dismantled. An International Stabilisation Force will be deployed to maintain peace.

Modi, in a social media statement, said:
“We welcome President Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region. We hope all concerned will come together to support this effort.”

India’s Consistent Position

India has long advocated a two-state solution, supporting a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestine living side by side in peace with Israel. India was among the first non-Arab countries to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974 and the state of Palestine in 1988.

Since the start of the current conflict in October 2023, India has strongly condemned terror attacks by Hamas and civilian casualties, called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and stressed safe, timely, and sustained humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Indian officials noted that the Trump plan aligns with India’s long-standing commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, while contributing to conditions for early resumption of direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.