India (Commonwealth Union)_Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep relief over the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza while extending strong support to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring peace to the region. Taking to the social media platform X, Modi wrote, “We welcome the release of all hostages after more than two years in captivity. Their return is a testament to the courage of their families, the determined peace efforts of President Trump, and the unwavering resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We stand firmly with President Trump’s sincere commitment to peace in the region.”
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The Indian PM’s statement came shortly after Israeli authorities confirmed that the last 20 surviving hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, terror attacks had been released and handed over by Hamas, marking a significant turning point in the long-running conflict. The hostages had been held for 738 days, following the 2023 attacks in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 251 others kidnapped. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that all surviving captives were now back in Israeli custody. “This is a historic and emotional moment,” said IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin. “Today, after 738 days, the final 20 hostages have returned home. This is not just a victory for Israel, but for humanity.”
The development came as part of a broader ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas, which officially took effect last Friday. As part of the agreement, Israel agreed to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and allow greater humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been experiencing acute food, water, and medical shortages due to continued conflict. President Trump, who addressed Israel’s parliament earlier in the day, called the timing of the ceasefire “crucial,” adding that Israeli military operations were “intensifying to a point of dangerous escalation.” He also described the hostage deal as a “well-timed intervention” that could pave the way for long-term peace in the region.
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Prime Minister Modi has consistently supported diplomatic solutions to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Previously, he described the development in hostage negotiations as “a meaningful step towards a just and lasting peace.” India has maintained a balanced stance throughout the crisis. While strongly condemning the 2023 Hamas assaults and the loss of innocent lives, India has also urged both parties to safeguard civilians by using moderation, discussion, and diplomacy. “India has consistently called for the immediate release of all hostages, a complete ceasefire, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The country has also reiterated the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted humanitarian access to the Gaza region.
Indian authorities have actively engaged with important players on both sides. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have held meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials, as well as other world leaders, to demonstrate India’s commitment to peace and regional stability. Meanwhile, a major peace summit took place in Egypt, bringing together world leaders to solidify the ceasefire. President Trump, speaking at the Gaza peace summit, praised India and Prime Minister Modi, though without naming him directly. “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top,” Trump said, while standing beside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together,” he added, drawing a smile from Sharif.
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India was represented at the summit by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who attended as Prime Minister Modi’s special envoy. Singh also became the first Indian minister to officially meet Trump following Operation Sindoor. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “India welcomes the signing of the landmark peace agreement and hopes it leads to lasting peace in the region.” The Gaza peace summit concluded with President Trump and leaders from the Arab and Muslim world signing a ceasefire agreement that many hope will bring an end to two years of bloodshed and begin a new chapter for the Middle East.
