Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he welcomed the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity and thanked the “unwavering peace efforts” of US President Donald Trump. “We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity,” Modi said on X. “Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump's sincere efforts to bring peace to the region,” he said. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India's long-standing support for a “negotiated two-State solution” and said it will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region. India welcomes the signing of the landmark peace agreement and hopes that this will lead to lasting peace in the region, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on the outcome of the peace summit in Egypt. “India stands for peace in the Middle East and resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA said in a late night statement. “We support the Gaza peace plan of President Trump and appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace,” it said. “This is also in line with India's long standing support for a negotiated two-State solution. India will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region,” it said. Meanwhile, addressing a summit of world leaders in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh, Trump praised India and Modi. “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top and he's just done a fantastic job. I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together,” Trump said while looking at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who was standing behind him, as he responded with a chuckle. Earlier, praising Sharif and his “favourite field marshal” Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Trump also invited the Pakistan Prime Minister to address the gathering. Sharif said peace has been achieved in the Middle East after Trump's “untiring and relentless efforts”. “Pakistan had nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outstanding (and) extraordinary contributions to first stop the war between India and Pakistan and then achieve a ceasefire along with his very wonderful team,” he said. Sharif said he would like to nominate Trump again for the Nobel Peace Prize for “saving millions of lives not only in South Asia but also in the Middle East”. — PTI Inputs
