'No alternative to dialogue and diplomacy': MEA welcomes Iran-Israel ceasefire as de-escalation offers relief for India's $100 billion trade

The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and praised the role played by the US and Qatar in helping the two countries to come to the negotiation table.

India said it is "deeply concerned" about the overall situation in the Middle East. "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 ministry said.

The MEA pointed out that there is "no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region," adding that the country will play its part in these efforts. The ministry said it hopes that all sides involved in the negotiation will "work towards sustained peace and stability."

“While we remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability, we welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,” read the press release by MEA.

This comes as a welcome relief for India, which has more than $100 billion worth of trade with the Middle East countries and much of the trade, including energy imports from the Gulf, pass through the shipping routes via Strait of Hormuz that separates Iran and Oman. India also exports engineering goods, food products, textiles, and chemicals to the Middle East. However, there are concerns about how long will the ceasefire last as the issues between Israel and Iran are yet to be resolved.

US President Donald Trump said Israel and Iran violated the ceasefire deal by attacking each other. Talking to reporters at the White House, the POTUS said, "Iran violated it, but Israel violated it, too. I'm not happy with Israel."

"I didn't like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal," Trump added. "And now I hear Israel just went out because they felt violated by one rocket that didn't land anywhere."