India, Oct. 12 -- India on Thursday described the assault mounted by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Israel as a "terrorist attack" and said it has always backed direct negotiations for establishing a sovereign state of Palestine that can exist side by side with Israel.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi outlined India's position on the surge in violence following the Hamas attacks last weekend in response to questions at a regular media briefing. India, he said, believes there is an obligation to observe international humanitarian law alongside a global responsibility to fight all forms of terrorism.

Bagchi provided details about Operation Ajay, India's effort to bring back Indian nationals wishing to leave Israel, and ...