US respects India’s Autonomy: White House discusses India’s role in Middle East crisis

The White House announced that India, a strategic partner of the U.S., has the free will to choose its position concerning any global crises or contingencies, including those encountered in the Middle East. This statement followed questions regarding the U.S.’s perspective on India’s potential role in addressing the Middle Eastern conflict. 

“India is a key strategic partner, and I think you saw that on full display when Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi was here. But we’ll leave it to the Indian government and to the prime minister to decide what their stance is going to be on any particular crisis or contingency around the world, to include the Middle East,” John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, stated.

The questions started following the unprecedented assault of Hamas gunmen on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, which resulted in the death of over 1,400 individuals, and the detainment of more than 200 as hostages. The Israeli reactive strikes in Gaza have continued since then, involving a ground offensive. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the number of deaths in Gaza has soared beyond 10,500. 

India, in response to the attacks initiated by Hamas on Israeli cities, categorized them as terror strikes while simultaneously appealing for strict adherence to international humanitarian law. This appeal came from concerns over the rising civilian casualties within Gaza due to Israel’s counter-offensive. 

“They (India) remain a key strategic partner. And we’re dedicated to advancing that partnership every single day,” Kirby added.

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