India Backs Trump’s Comprehensive Plan for Lasting Peace in Gaza Conflict

In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly welcomed US President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled comprehensive plan aimed at ending the protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister’s endorsement, shared via a post on social media, signals India’s support for the high-stakes American initiative designed to bring what the US terms a “long-term and sustainable peace” to the region.

The announcement by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday stated: “We welcome President Donald J. 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.” He further expressed optimism, adding, “We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace.”

This public backing aligns India, a nation with historical ties to both Israel and the Palestinian people, with the diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the former US President. The plan, which was announced following a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, is a detailed, multi-point proposal meant to secure an immediate cessation of hostilities and establish a framework for post-conflict governance and reconstruction in Gaza.

Key Elements of the Peace Proposal

The US-led plan, details of which have been reported to be a 20- or 21-point document, lays out stringent conditions and a step-by-step roadmap for ending the war. Central to the proposal are:

• Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange: A call for an immediate end to fighting and the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza within a short, specified timeframe, reportedly 72 hours. This is to be followed by the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
• Hamas Disarmament and Exclusion: The plan mandates the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from any future governance of Gaza. It envisions the territory becoming a “deradicalised, terror-free zone.”
• Transitional Governance: A temporary transitional government, possibly a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee overseen by an international body including the US and Arab partners, is proposed to manage public services. Reports suggest former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been discussed for a supervisory role.
• No Annexation or Permanent Occupation: The plan explicitly states that Israel will neither annex nor permanently occupy the Gaza Strip, and it guarantees no forced displacement of the Gazan population.
• Economic Redevelopment: A major economic development plan is promised to rebuild Gaza, funded by international and regional partners.

India’s Delicate Balance in West Asia

New Delhi’s prompt welcome to the plan underscores its commitment to regional stability and its evolving diplomatic approach to the Middle East. While India was one of the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestinian state and continues to advocate for a two-state solution, it has also forged a robust strategic partnership with Israel. By supporting the Trump initiative, New Delhi is seen as encouraging a viable pathway to end the devastating conflict, even as the specific terms of the plan are still under intense international scrutiny and review by all stakeholders.

The success of the initiative, however, remains contingent on the acceptance of its terms by all major parties, most notably Hamas, which has yet to formally respond. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly accepted the plan but warned that if Hamas rejects it or fails to comply, Israel will continue its military objective of eliminating the group.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community, including India, will be watching closely to see if President Trump’s initiative can overcome decades of animosity and translate its ambitious framework into a lasting reality for the people of Gaza and the broader West Asian region. Sources