India Commits to ‘Proactive’ Role in West Asia Peace, Cites Humanitarian Footprint as Credentials

India on Thursday (February 26, 2026) reaffirmed it “proactive” role in the recovery and stability of Gaza, unlinking its growing diplomatic and humanitarian footprint in West Asia, amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel that concluded earlier in the day.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media on Modi’s Israel visit, said while the specifics of India’s role in Gaza were evolving, New Delhi’s intent in contributing positively to the peace process was firm.

“Yes, we do see a role. What exactly that role will be depends on gaining more clarity as to how things will actually develop on the ground in Gaza,” Misri said.

The potential involvement in Gaza was strengthened by India’s proven track record in development aid and unique technical expertise, he noted.

“India has very specific capabilities and capacities that would be of considerable relevance in a situation like the one on the ground in Gaza,” Misri said, highlighting India’s strengths.

He further contextualised the future role of India by noting that the extensive portfolio of the progressing Indian investments in West Asia was aimed at social welfare in the region.

“We are already implementing a large number of projects for the benefit of Palestinian communities, to the extent of nearly $170 million,” the Indian Foreign Secretary said.

“There are also about $40 million worth of projects in the pipeline, in the areas of education, healthcare, capacity building, and others,” he added.

Beyond these current projects, India remained prepared to scale its engagement in alignment with international peace efforts, he noted, emphasising that New Delhi was ready to step in as the region transitioned towards stability.

“Even when considering what would be required as a consequence of the Gaza peace initiative moving forward, we would have the capacity to contribute at the right time on the ground,” Misri said.

Earlier, Modi reinforced the Indian vision for West Asia at a joint press meet with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that “humanity must never suffer because of conflict.”

Modi also highlighted the necessity of global stability, strongly advocating India’s backing for the Gaza peace initiative, describing it as a step towards lasting and fair peace in the region.

Detailing India’s stance regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, the Indian Prime Minister noted that a “path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to such diplomatic endeavours.

“India’s vision is clear that humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has opened a route to peace. India has supported such efforts. In future too, India will continue to cooperate and have dialogue with all nations,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the shared resolve between New Delhi and Jerusalem in confronting global security challenges, stating that both nations stand united against the threat of radicalism.

“India and Israel are clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form. We will continue to fight against terrorism and its supporters,” the Indian PM added.

Modi reiterated India’s backing for the US-led Gaza Peace Initiative, recalling his remarks in the Israeli Knesset on Wednesday (February 23, 2026) when he called the peace plan for Gaza as a “pathway” towards a “just and durable peace” for West Asia.

“The Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue,” Modi said.

“Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” he added.

This was Modi’s second visit to Israel, having travelled there in 2017, the first time an Indian Prime Minister had been to Tel Aviv.