India Condemns Israeli Strike on Qatar, Calls it a Violation of Sovereignty

The fragile peace efforts in the Middle East suffered a major blow when Israel carried out an airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on 9 September 2025. The strike targeted a villa complex in an upscale district, reportedly housing members of Hamas engaged in ceasefire negotiations. The attack killed at least six people, including the son and an aide of senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, while several others were injured. Although key Hamas leaders are believed to have survived, the assault has raised concerns about the future of ceasefire talks in Gaza and broader regional stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned Israel's attack on Qatar(PMO) | Mint

India’s Firm Response

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. During the discussion, Modiji strongly condemned the strike, describing it as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a troubling precedent in international relations. He stressed that India stands firmly with Qatar and emphasized that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than violence. Modiji also highlighted India’s consistent position against terrorism in all its forms while appreciating Qatar’s mediation efforts in Gaza, particularly in seeking a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.

International Reactions and Growing Outrage

Qatar denounced the attack as an act of “state terror,” accusing Israel of undermining ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, expressed solidarity with Doha, warning that such actions jeopardize regional stability. Russia described the strike as a “gross violation” of the UN Charter, while the UK and Germany called it a flagrant breach of sovereignty. These reactions underline a growing international consensus that unilateral military actions on sovereign soil, without consent, are destabilizing and dangerous.

Implications for Diplomacy and Regional Stability

The Israeli strike in Doha not only threatens to derail peace efforts in Gaza but also complicates the broader geopolitical landscape in West Asia. For Israel, the attack was aimed at weakening Hamas’s leadership, but for mediators like Qatar, it undermines the very process of dialogue. India’s reaction is significant as it reflects a delicate diplomatic balance: maintaining strategic ties with Israel while safeguarding its deep-rooted partnerships with Gulf states, which are vital for trade, energy, and the welfare of millions of Indian expatriates. By siding with Qatar on the principle of sovereignty, India reaffirmed its broader foreign policy commitment to peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s strong condemnation of Israel’s airstrike on Qatar reflects a principled stand on sovereignty and international law. Prime Minister Modi’s call with Qatar’s Emir sent a clear message that India will not accept unilateral aggression that violates the territorial integrity of nations. While Israel claims its action was aimed at Hamas operatives, the attack has only undermined the fragile peace talks and further destabilized the region. India’s response is rooted in its consistent position: terrorism must be countered, but not at the cost of sovereignty and diplomatic efforts for peace.

This situation also highlights India’s balancing act in West Asia. By standing with Qatar, New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution while safeguarding ties with Gulf nations crucial for energy security and the welfare of millions of Indians abroad. Israel’s unilateral strike, condemned globally, sets a dangerous precedent of state aggression. In this context, India’s viewpoint is clear—violence cannot bring stability, and the world must uphold sovereignty and diplomacy as the foundations of peace.

(Sources: Mint, India Today, Hindustan Times)