New Delhi, Oct. 5 -- India on Saturday welcomed the progress in peace efforts in Gaza, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding the US President's efforts to end the fighting and saying indications about the release of hostages taken by Hamas marked a "significant step forward". "We welcome President Trump's leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward," Modi said on social media. India, Modi said, will "continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace". This was the second time this week that Modi praised Trump's peace plan, and his remarks on social media came after reports that Hamas submitted its response to the US president's initiative. The group agreed to free all Israeli captives and to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to Palestinian technocrats. On Tuesday, Modi welcomed Trump's 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying the initiative provides a "viable pathway" for long-term peace and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people. People familiar with the matter said India has had a consistent, clear and longstanding position focused on a two-state solution....