PM Modi Condemns Israeli Strikes in Doha During Call with Qatar Emir, Reaffirms Support for Sovereignty and Regional Stability
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, strongly condemning the recent Israeli airstrikes in Doha that targeted Hamas members, calling the attacks a violation of Qatari sovereignty.
“Spoke with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Qatar’s mediation efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, particularly its role in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza and working for the release of hostages.
“The Prime Minister reiterated support for the resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy and the need to avoid further escalation,” the MEA readout added.
“India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim, thanked PM Modi for India’s expression of solidarity with the people and government of Qatar following the airstrike on September 9, which killed five Hamas members, though the group confirmed its senior negotiators were unharmed.
The Hamas delegation was reportedly discussing a US-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza when the strike occurred, sparking outrage and condemnation across the Arab world and beyond.
Modi’s Remarks Seen as Significant Shift
The conversation marks a notable diplomatic stand by India, especially in light of its historically balanced position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The comments also follow India’s participation in the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where member nations jointly condemned military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In the SCO declaration, leaders emphasized that a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue is the only way to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.
“Such aggressive actions… are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter,” the SCO statement said, referencing recent attacks on civilian and nuclear infrastructure in Iran.
India’s Balancing Act
PM Modi’s remarks build on his earlier statements from November 2023, when he condemned the Hamas attack on Israel, but also stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and humanitarian support for Palestinian civilians.
“We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” he said at the Voice of Global South Summit.
“After speaking with President Mahmoud Abbas, we sent humanitarian aid to Palestine. It’s time for the Global South to speak with one voice for the greater global good.”
Strong Bilateral Ties with Qatar
India has close strategic and economic relations with Qatar, which is home to over 830,000 Indian nationals — making it one of the largest Indian diasporas in the Gulf. Qatar is also India’s largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), playing a vital role in the country’s energy security.
As tensions rise in the Middle East, India’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty and its call for restraint highlight New Delhi’s efforts to maintain diplomatic balance while prioritizing regional peace and its economic interests.
