Riyadh, Sep 9 : External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar on Monday reiterated India's "principled and consistent" stand on the Palestinian issue while calling for a ceasefire in the region, as soon as possible.

"The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India's position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible," the EAM said while co-chairing the inaugural India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh.

"On the larger issue, we have consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA," he added.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat and on the sidelines of the 161st Ministerial Council meeting chaired by Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, President of the current session of the Ministerial Council.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar offered the framework of 3Ps – people, prosperity and progress - as the driving force behind the partnership.

"Our people-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship. Close to 9 million Indians work and live amongst you, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and comfort," he said.

Spotlighting that India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets - where much of the future demand is going to come from - the External Affairs Minister called on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to invest in each other's future and support each other's continued prosperity.

"Our interactions are key to driving prosperity – for the GCC and for India. Trade has not only expanded in volume but also in diversity, encompassing a wide range of goods and services that fuel our economies and create jobs. It is important that we think not just for today. The task before us is to invest in each other's future and support each other's continued prosperity,"

Calling the GCC a "cornerstone of global energy supply", the External Affairs Minister called for deeper collaboration to stabilize markets, drive innovation and enhance energy security.