Jaishankar Advocates for Two-State Solution

During the Munich Security Conference, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, emphasized the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for a two-state solution. 

He highlighted the necessity of addressing immediate security concerns for Israel and providing humanitarian support to Palestinians, alongside working towards a long-term peaceful settlement. 

Jaishankar's remarks came during a panel discussion with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where he condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas as unjustifiable acts of terrorism and stressed the importance of minimizing civilian casualties in conflict responses. 

He also underscored the importance of returning hostages taken by Hamas and establishing a sustainable humanitarian corridor. The discussion further touched on global perceptions of terrorism and the consensus among Global South countries on the need for a prompt move towards a two-state solution. 

Both Baerbock and Blinken supported Jaishankar's views on ensuring security for both Israelis and Palestinians and preventing future cycles of violence. 

Additionally, Jaishankar addressed India's foreign policy stance, distinguishing between non-alignment and having multiple strategic options, and clarified India's position as non-West but not anti-West, highlighting its growing relationships with Western countries.