In a significant address to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 16, 2025, India staunchly defended Qatar’s sovereignty. India’s Permanent Representative, Arindam Bagchi, explicitly referenced the Israeli bombing of Doha on September 9, stating that India “unequivocally condemns” this aggressive action against Qatar.
During his address, Mr. Bagchi articulated India’s profound concern, stating, “We are deeply worried about the recent assaults in Doha and their potential to destabilize regional security. We unequivocally denounce any infringement upon Qatar’s sovereignty. Such acts jeopardize peace, stability, and security not just regionally, but globally.” While his statement at the UNHRC didn’t explicitly name Israel, it echoed a prior declaration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Days earlier, PM Modi had personally contacted Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, to convey India’s condemnation of the sovereignty violation and emphasize support for resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic channels, thereby preventing further escalation.
Reaffirming the fundamental principles of international relations, Mr. Bagchi stressed the paramount importance of national sovereignty. He articulated India’s unwavering conviction that all disagreements should be addressed peacefully through constructive dialogue and diplomacy, adhering strictly to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. He further emphasized the critical need to avert any escalation and to consistently uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
Emergency Summit Convened Following Attack
The Israeli strikes on Doha on September 9 targeted locations associated with Hamas’s negotiating team, including the residence of its prominent political leader, Khaled Meshal. In response to this aggression, Qatar swiftly launched extensive international diplomatic efforts, culminating in an emergency Arab-Islamic summit held on September 15. This crucial gathering saw the participation of heads of state and representatives from 57 member nations of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Post-summit, the OIC issued a statement affirming that the attack was a deliberate attempt to sabotage Qatar’s crucial mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Youssef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs of the OIC, stated, “The leaders acknowledged Qatar’s indispensable role in regional mediation and underscored that this aggression against Qatari territory constitutes a severe escalation and a desperate maneuver by Israel to derail Qatar’s diplomatic push for peace.”