New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the release of the final 20 surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza, describing it as a moment of “hope and humanity” after more than two years of captivity under Hamas.
He lauded the “unwavering peace efforts” of U.S. President Donald Trump and the “strong resolve” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in achieving what he called “a long-awaited humanitarian breakthrough.”
In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said, “We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. 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.”
The hostages’ release marks a significant milestone in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which effectively ended one of the most prolonged and devastating conflicts in the region’s modern history.
According to the Israeli military, the hostages were transferred from Gaza to Israeli custody by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday morning, following weeks of tense negotiations mediated by Washington, Cairo, and Doha.
The ceasefire agreement, announced late Sunday, includes not only the exchange of hostages but also provisions for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and a framework for further political dialogue. U.S. officials have hailed the deal as a “turning point” for Middle East peace, while international observers have cautioned that rebuilding trust and ensuring stability will remain an uphill task.
India’s Support for Peace Efforts
Prime Minister Modi’s statement comes amid widespread global relief and cautious optimism over the ceasefire’s success. India, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, has consistently advocated for peace through dialogue and restraint.
New Delhi has also repeatedly condemned terrorism in all forms, including hostage-taking, while calling for the protection of civilian lives. Modi’s endorsement of Trump’s peace efforts reflects India’s broader strategic and diplomatic engagement with the United States and Israel, both of which have deepened significantly in recent years across defense, technology, and counterterrorism cooperation.
“The release of hostages is not only a humanitarian triumph but also a testament to the power of persistent diplomacy,” said an Indian foreign ministry official, adding that the development “aligns with India’s long-standing call for peaceful resolution through negotiation.”
A Milestone in U.S.-Brokered Diplomacy
The U.S.-brokered deal represents one of the most consequential diplomatic victories of President Trump’s second term. Speaking at the White House, Trump called it the “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” asserting that it proved “peace is possible when strength and sincerity meet.”
Under the agreement, Hamas agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and guarantees for humanitarian aid. The deal also outlines steps toward the establishment of a demilitarized buffer zone and the initiation of reconstruction projects in war-torn areas under international supervision.
Netanyahu, addressing the Israeli nation after the handover, thanked the United States for its role and vowed that “Israel will remain vigilant, but today we celebrate life.” He praised the hostages’ resilience, saying their return “restores a part of our national soul that was held captive for far too long.”
Humanitarian and Political Repercussions
The war in Gaza, which began two years ago following Hamas’s large-scale attack on Israeli territory, has left over 30,000 Palestinians and thousands of Israelis dead, according to international monitoring groups. The conflict displaced millions, destroyed vital infrastructure, and drew condemnation over humanitarian violations from both sides.
Analysts suggest the ceasefire, though fragile, could pave the way for a broader regional recalibration, especially as Gulf states and Western powers push for renewed peace talks. Some also see the agreement as a political victory for both Trump and Netanyahu — leaders who had faced mounting pressure to deliver results after years of bloodshed and diplomatic impasse.
India’s Expanding Role in West Asia
India’s response to the development underscores its growing engagement in the Middle East, where it seeks to balance its ties with Israel, Arab nations, and the United States. Over the past decade, New Delhi has positioned itself as a pragmatic partner focused on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
Modi’s statement, analysts say, reinforces India’s consistent message that peace in the region is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for global security and economic stability. With millions of Indian expatriates living and working in the Middle East, and India depending heavily on the region for energy imports, stability there remains a key foreign policy priority.
“India has welcomed every peace initiative that upholds human dignity and security,” said former diplomat T.C.A. Raghavan. “By supporting this ceasefire and commending both the U.S. and Israel, Modi signals that India stands firmly on the side of constructive diplomacy.”
A Moment of Relief and Reflection
As the freed hostages reunite with their families, scenes of relief and emotion have swept through Israel. Television broadcasts showed family members embracing their loved ones, many of whom had been presumed dead for months. In Gaza, civilians expressed mixed feelings — relief that the bombings had stopped, yet anxiety over what comes next.
For now, the ceasefire stands as a rare moment of calm after years of relentless warfare. Whether it endures will depend on the political will of leaders across the region — and the ability of global powers, including India, to keep dialogue and humanitarian commitments alive.
