New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- India on Monday welcomed the release of all surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas under a US-backed peace plan and pledged its support for all efforts aimed at a lasting peace in the region, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the "unwavering peace efforts" of President Donald Trump. Hamas freed all 20 living hostages who were held in the Gaza Strip, while the release of some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel was underway as part of the conditions of a ceasefire that is part of the peace deal. The exchange occurred as world leaders gathered in Egypt for the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. "We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu," Modi said in a social media post that tagged Trump and Netanyahu. "We support President Trump's sincere efforts to bring peace to the region," he said. Modi has lauded Trump several times in recent days for his peace efforts in West Asia, with the praise being seen to be as much about the situation in West Asia as India's attempts to repair ties with the US after months of tensions created by Trump's unprecedented tariffs on Indian exports. Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit as the special representative of Modi. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that India stands for peace in the Middle East and resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy. "We support the Gaza peace plan of President Trump and appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace," the statement said, describing the peace summit as an effort to strengthen efforts for regional peace and stability in line with Trump's vision for lasting peace....