At UNHRC, India condemns violation of Qatar’s sovereignty

India on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council. Addressing a session in the UNHRC in Geneva, Government of India’s Permanent Representative Arindam Bagchi referred to the September 9 Israeli bombing of Doha and said India “unequivocally” condemns the attack on Qatar.

“India is deeply concerned about the recent attacks in Doha and their impact on the security situation in the region. We unequivocally condemn the violation of the sovereignty of Qatar. Such actions threaten peace, stability, and security not only in the region but across the world,” said Mr. Bagchi in his statement, which, however, did not name Israel. India’s reiteration of its position on the Israeli strike on Qatar came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he called Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and said, “India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly state of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation.” In a first Indian response, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, had noted the “Israeli strikes” on September 9, saying India is “deeply concerned by this development.”

Mr. Bagchi highlighted the importance of sovereignty in international affairs and said, “India firmly believes that differences must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, in full conformity with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Any escalation must be avoided, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States must be upheld.”

Emergency summit

On September 9, Israel struck targets in Doha which host the negotiating team of Hamas, including Khaled Meshal, top political leader of Hamas. Qatar subsequently intensified international outreach and hosted an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on September 15 which was attended by heads of states and representatives of 57 member-countries of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation). Following the summit, OIC said the attack was an attempt to disrupt the Qatar’s role to bring an end to the war in Gaza. “The leaders valued the vital role that Qatar continues to play in mediation efforts in the region, and emphasised that the aggression against Qatari territory represents a serious escalation and a desperate Israeli attempt to undermine Qatari diplomatic efforts to achieve peace,” said Youssef Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs of the OIC.