India on Wednesday reiterated its "strong and unequivocal condemnation" of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, calling for ceasefire in the region and unconditional, immediate release of all hostages.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reconveyed India's stance on the ongoing turmoil during the 17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi where both sides also reflected on the strength of their strategic partnership.
The Israeli side was led by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yaakov Blitshtein.
"Both sides discussed various issues of bilateral interest in depth and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral endeavours. The two sides also shared views on the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific," detailed a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the talks.
"Reiterating India's strong and unequivocal condemnation of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Foreign Secretary called for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, the need for continued humanitarian assistance, and adherence to international humanitarian law. At the same time, he also shared India's concern at the escalating situation in West Asia and emphasised restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy," it added.
Israel labelled the discussions as "fruitful" and thanked India for its friendship in "challenging times".
"Satisfied to see common perspectives on challenges and opportunities in both bilateral and regional issues," Reuven Azar, Israel's new Ambassador to India, posted on X.
Both sides held discussions on enhancing cooperation on technology, agriculture, transportation, connectivity and many more issues.
India's long standing policy towards Palestine includes support for a negotiated two-State solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
At the same time, New Delhi has also "strongly condemned" the terror attacks on Israel and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for restraint, de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Massive Crowd of Army Aspirants Causes Chaos in Pithoragarh During Recruitment Drive
Gaza Has Become 'Graveyard' For Children, Says UN Palestinian Agency Chief US 'Fundamentally Rejects' World Court Warrant For Israel PM: White House Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Continue Amid Truce Talks Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think 2 More Exit Polls Predict Landslide For NDA In Maharashtra Waving Black Flags At Chief Minister's Convoy Not Illegal: Court Gaza Has Become 'Graveyard' For Children, Says UN Palestinian Agency Chief Russian Missile Used On Ukraine Not An ICBM, Says US Official: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.