India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, where he defended India's defence cooperation with Israel, citing the latter’s support for India in times of national security threats.

Jaishankar emphasized that India’s decision to maintain defence relations with Israel is guided by its national security interests. “Israel is a country with which we have a strong record of cooperation in national security,” Jaishankar said, adding, “It has stood by us during various moments when our national security was under threat. Any decision we make, we will be guided by our national security interests, while considering the broader circumstances.” Jaishankar also reiterated India’s long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressing support for a two-state solution.

"India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution, aiming for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine that coexists peacefully alongside Israel," he stated. He also highlighted India’s continued humanitarian assistance to Palestine.

Regarding India's stance on UN resolutions related to Gaza, Jaishankar clarified that India abstained from resolutions that did not fully reflect the situation. “We cannot support resolutions that underplay terrorism, as India itself has been a victim of it. We assess each resolution carefully and take a mature view,” he said, emphasizing that India condemns terrorism and hostage-taking in all forms. He reiterated the importance of humanitarian law and called for an end to violence through a ceasefire.

In response to questions about India’s arms exports to Israel, Jaishankar declined to provide specific details, stating that India’s military export decisions are based on national interest and are not publicly disclosed. “Any export related to munitions or military materials is guided by our national interest and our commitments to international regimes,” he explained. He also reaffirmed India’s adherence to the Wassenaar Arrangement, a multilateral export control regime, ensuring responsible exports.

When asked about a request from Palestine's Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs to reconsider arms sales to Israel, Jaishankar reiterated that India makes decisions on arms exports based on its national interests. "We are responsible members of international export control regimes, and our decisions reflect what we consider best for the country," he added.

Jaishankar also addressed the issue of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, clarifying that India is not a signatory to the ICC and has not taken a formal position on the matter.