No Rushing In: India Welcoming, Yet Cautious Of Gaza Peace Efforts | Exclusive

Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 15:47 IST

Sources caution that moving too quickly from Phase I to Phase II of ceasefire could prove difficult and potentially counterproductive if the initial phase is not fully stabilised.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Reuters File Image)

There are serious and ongoing discussions in New Delhi over the evolving Gaza peace process, with India carefully assessing its role amid a fragile ceasefire and complex ground realities. According to government sources, India is deliberately charting a pragmatic middle path, resisting pressure to rush into commitments that may not sustain themselves once implemented.

Officials underline that India’s approach to conflict zones has remained consistent over decades. New Delhi has participated in peacekeeping or stabilisation missions only under the explicit framework of the United Nations Charter, and this principle continues to guide its thinking on Gaza as well. Any deviation from this established position, sources indicate, would require extraordinary clarity on mandate, viability and international consensus.

At the heart of the current deliberations is concern over the sequencing of the Gaza ceasefire framework. Sources caution that moving too quickly from Phase I to Phase II of the ceasefire could prove difficult and potentially counterproductive if the initial phase is not fully stabilised. The assessment within the government is that premature transitions risk undermining fragile gains on the ground, especially in a conflict zone marked by repeated breakdowns of trust and enforcement.

Officials also point to historical precedents, noting that similar coalitions and peace initiatives have been attempted in the past with mixed or limited success. These experiences, they argue, reinforce the need for realism rather than symbolic gestures that may collapse under pressure.

Despite its cautious stance, New Delhi maintains that its position on Gaza is principled and consistent. Government sources stress that any genuine step towards peace in Gaza is welcome. India continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and sustained de-escalation, viewing these as essential prerequisites for any durable political process.

In this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed congratulations to former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their leadership in pushing forward the ceasefire process. This gesture, officials say, reflects India’s support for diplomatic efforts that reduce violence and create space for dialogue.

The emphasis, according to sources, remains firmly on stability, realism and avoiding steps that could destabilise an already delicate situation. For New Delhi, the Gaza question is less about quick fixes and more about ensuring that peace efforts, once undertaken, have a credible chance of holding on the ground.

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