NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a step in the right direction. Ministry of external affairs, in a statement, commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States and Qatar in brokering the fragile truce.In a formal statement, the ministry said that it followed the developments overnight, including US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran’s swift retaliation targeting American military bases in Qatar. “We have been following developments overnight relating to the conflict between Iran and Israel, including the US action against Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iranian retaliation against US military bases in Qatar,” the statement read.The ministry said that while it remains “deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability,” it welcomed “reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about.”Calls for dialogue over escalationIt further reiterated that military escalation serves no purpose in resolving complex regional disputes.“There is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region,” the statement said.India also offered to support further peacebuilding efforts in the region, saying it “stands ready to play its part in these efforts and hopes that all concerned parties will work towards sustained peace and stability.”
