The surprise attack by Hamas on Israel that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers on October 7, and the retaliatory “declaration of war” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prompted a flurry of reactions from the South Asian region. 

Except Bhutan, which has made no statement so far, all countries have expressed concern over the unprecedented escalation of tensions between Palestine and Israel. India’s response, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the only one in unequivocal solidarity with Israel. Except India, Nepal and Afghanistan, all countries have called for the implementation of the two-state formula as the most viable solution to the conflict.

India: There has been no official statement from the government. In a brief post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed “solidarity with Israel”. 

“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” the PM wrote on X.

Pakistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the second-largest Muslim country in the world said it was closely monitoring the “unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians”.

“We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation,” the ministry said in a statement, underlining Pakistan’s  “consistent advocacy of a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East”.

The ministry noted that a “viable, sovereign and contiguous state of Palestine should be established on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital”.

“We call on the international community to come together for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians and for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” it said.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq said he would mobilise support in the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the United Nations. 

Maldives: Newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu demanded that “Israel should end the illegal occupation of Palestine immediately and return the lands forcefully seized from Palestinians. Israel should recognize Palestine as an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital within 1967 borders and allow the immediate return of refugees”.

Outgoing president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wrote on X that the country “remains in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to dignity and self-determination”.

“We condemn Israel’s disproportionate use of force on defenceless Palestinian communities and renew our call for a two-state solution that ensures peace for all,” he wrote.

Afghanistan: The Taliban-ruled Afghanistan said it was closely following the recent events taking place in the Gaza Strip and “considers everything that is happening as a result of the Israeli aggression and the ongoing violation of the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy places for Muslims”.

“It considers the Palestinian peoples’ defense of their freedom and independence of their country and their resistance against the occupation,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan affirms its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on its historical lands, which is a legitimate, historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to defend the independence of the country, and appeals to Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” it said. “The international community, especially those countries that have a clear influence in the region, must stand up to the Israeli aggression against the innocent Palestinian people and cooperate to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of granting legitimate rights to the Palestinians.”

Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Abdul Qahar Balkhi said Afghanistan was “deeply concerned about the recent decision of the Zionist regime to deprive the people in the besieged Gaza Strip of essential resources such as electricity, food and water supply”.

“This action is unacceptable and in contravention of all international laws and conventions,” he said.

Sri Lanka: The country’s foreign ministry called for an immediate halt to the violence and to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.

“Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the attacks and escalation of violence and the resulting loss of life in Israel and Palestine,” the ministry said.

The ministry said it remains “committed to supporting a negotiated settlement in line with internationally agreed parameters of two states living side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders”. It further said: “We extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost their loved ones and express our sympathies with the affected families.”

Nepal: Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal condemned the “terrorist attack in Israel”.

“Nine Nepalis have been reportedly injured. At this critical hour, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the injured Nepalis and other innocent victims and their families,” Dahal said.

Bangladesh: Bangladesh asked both sides in the conflict to exercise restraint. “Bangladesh underlines that escalation of conflicts and violence benefits no party. We urge both Israeli and Palestinians to exercise maximum restraint and call for an immediate ceasefire to avoid further loss of innocent lives from both sides,” a statement said.

Bangladesh holds that living under the Israeli occupation and forced settlements in Palestinian territory will not bring peace in the region, the country foreign ministry said, adding that  Bangladesh “supports a two-state solution”.

“Bangladesh also urges all parties concerned to refrain from excessive and indiscriminate use of force in the conflict and reiterates that only dialogue and diplomacy could lead to a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and calls upon all parties to work towards this end,” it said.