Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep concern" about the attack on Wednesday, a day after Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in an attempt to kill senior Hamas officials in Doha. The prime minister went on to say that he had a conversation with the emir of Qatar, denounced the "violation" of Qatar's sovereignty, and urged communication to settle disagreements.
"Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly state of Qatar," PM Modi tweeted.
Reiterating India’s consistent position, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the need to prevent further escalation. "We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he added.
At least five people, including three of Hamas leaders' bodyguards, were killed in the strike, according to Hamas. According to Hamas political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi, Khalil al-Hayya's office manager Jihad Labad and his son Hammam al-Hayya were both slain.
PM Modi expressed concern about the incidents and commended Doha's efforts to advance peace and stability in the region. In particular, he recognised Qatar's role as a mediator in Gaza, which includes efforts to bring about a ceasefire and free hostages.
In response, Sheikh Tamim thanked Modi for his message of solidarity with the people and the State of Qatar. Both leaders welcomed the steady progress of the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and pledged to deepen cooperation across sectors of mutual interest. They also agreed to maintain close communication going forward.
Also Read: Modi to host Mauritius PM in Varanasi tomorrow
PM Modi's tweet came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday, "We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region."
The statement followed Israel’s confirmation that it carried out airstrikes against senior Hamas officials in Doha, a city that has hosted multiple rounds of ceasefire negotiations seeking to end the Gaza conflict. Qatar, a key US ally and mediator in the peace process, condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty. The Gulf nation said the attack targeted the homes of several Hamas political bureau members residing in Doha.
The incident marked a rare military strike on Qatari soil and triggered international condemnation, with world leaders denouncing it as a breach of international law. Qatar reported that one member of its Internal Security Force was killed and several others injured.
Also Read: India, EU resolve to intensify counter-terror cooperation
US WAS NOTIFIED OF STRIKES
Earlier, the Trump administration confirmed it was notified ahead of Israel’s attack on Hamas negotiators in Qatar, but said it did not agree with the decision. Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, also added that Trump directed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to "inform the Qataris of the impending attack.
Leavitt said that Trump also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strike but did not say if he threatened any actions against the close US ally. She furthermore stated that Trump “believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace".
Also Read: Modi and Meloni hold talks on FTA, Ukraine, and IMEEC
Follow us
