| PYQ Relevance: Prelims: The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to: (2015) a) Central Asia b) Middle East c) South-East Asia d) Central Africa Mains: 1. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (2017) 2. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)) |
Note4Students:
Mains: International issues; India-West Asia;
Prelims: Two-state solution; Israel-Palestine;
Mentor comments: India has historically supported Palestine while also developing ties with Israel. Prime Minister Modi expressed solidarity with Israel after a Hamas attack but India’s stance on Palestine remains balanced. Over the years, India’s policy towards Palestine has evolved, recognizing Israel in 1950 but supporting a two-state solution. Recent UN votes show India’s continued support for Palestine despite abstaining from some resolutions. What are those?
Let’s Learn.
Why in the News?
The strategic implications of recent events in West Asia have influenced India’s Foreign Policy towards Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the importance of stability and resolution in West Asia.
| Background: India’s historical policy towards Palestine: India’s solidarity with Palestine was rooted in anti-colonial and non-aligned principles, aligning with Arab states and advocating for Palestinian statehood. • In 1947: Initially, India strongly supported the Palestinian cause, voting against the partition of Palestine and recognizing the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of Palestinians. • In 1992: Despite recognizing Israel in 1950, India did not establish full diplomatic relations until 1992. • In 2003: India co-sponsored the draft resolution on “the right of Palestinians to self-determination” and voted in favor of it during the 53rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). India also voted in favour of the UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against construction of the Separation Wall by Israel. • In 2011: India voted in favor of including Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. • India has further strengthened ties with Israel, marking a strategic shift towards closer relations. This shift is driven by structural imperatives like independent foreign policy, strategic goals, and counterterrorism efforts especially in defense and trade. |
Paradigm shift of India’s policy towards Palestine:
While India has maintained its support for the Palestinian cause, it has also deepened its ties with Israel, particularly in defense and trade.
- In 1950: India recognized Israel in 1950 but did not establish full diplomatic relations until 1992. Since then, bilateral ties have grown significantly, with India becoming Israel’s top market for defense exports.
- In 2017-18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been more public in its engagement with Israel, with Modi being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017 and the first to visit Ramallah in 2018.
- In 2023: Barely three weeks after the Hamas attack, India abstained from a vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that called for an “immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce” in Gaza.
While India maintains support for a two-state solution and Palestinian rights, its alignment with Israel reflects a nuanced balancing act influenced by changing geopolitical dynamics and national interests. India has also faced criticism for its perceived shift towards Israel.
Balancing the approach of India at UNGA after the terror attack:
- Recognizing Palestinian rights: India supported resolutions affirming Palestine by condemning Israeli settlements in Palestine, expressing concern over Israel’s occupation of Golan Heights, and calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. It was neither a strong moral critic, like Brazil or South Africa, of the way Israel is conducting the war, nor a mute spectator or enabler of Israel, like the United States or the United Kingdom.
- Supporting Two-state solution: This stance reflects India’s commitment to a two-state solution and a balanced approach in addressing the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite growing ties with Israel in defense and trade, India maintains support for Palestinian statehood while strategically engaging with Israel.
What is the present Scenario and Indian Interests considering the present context?
- Being Leader for Global South: India’s support for Palestine is rooted in National interests, including the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the need to maintain its reputation as a leader in the Global South.
- Reflecting towards its commitment: India’s criticism of Israel’s action and its support for a two-state solution reflect its commitment to international law and stability in the Global south region.
- The strategic implications of recent events in the region, such as the Abraham Accords and the crises in Gaza, have influenced India’s Foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the importance of stability and resolution in West Asia.
Way Forward
Supporting a two-state solution requires ending violence, promoting dialogue, condemning settlements, and upholding Palestinian self-determination. India aligns with this approach, emphasizing diplomacy over conflict. In contrast, the U.S., despite claiming support for a two-state solution, votes against relevant UN resolutions and fails to endorse ceasefire calls.
References:
https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Bilateral_Brief-Sept_2019.pdf
https://thediplomat.com/2023/11/india-once-was-a-strong-ally-of-palestine-what-changed/
References: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-economic-case-for-investing-in-indias-children/article67896821.ece
