Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: NA

Mains level: Israel-Hamas Crisis, India's growing role and diplomatic pressure

What’s the news?

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, diplomatic efforts have gained momentum. US President Joe Biden’s decision to visit Israel to assess Israeli plans is a significant development.

Central idea

The world finds itself sharply divided on this issue, with emerging geopolitical faultlines becoming increasingly solidified. These divisions are not limited to international boundaries but are also being mirrored within nations. Given India’s growing interests in the Middle East, it cannot remain indifferent to the reverberations from its extended neighborhood.

Remarkable Foreign Policy Achievement: India’s engagement in the Middle East, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stands as a remarkable foreign policy achievement. This success transcends the often-debated.
Building Strong Ties: prime Minister’s efforts have resulted in India building strong ties with key stakeholders in the Middle East. These relationships have given India a distinct and influential role in the region.
Beyond Ideology: While the India-Israel relationship has been growing steadily since the 1990s. Prime minister Modi has emphasized the need for India’s Arab partners to build a relationship that addresses 21st-century challenges, shifting the focus away from religious heritage.

Pragmatism in Diplomacy: India’s approach to the Middle East is marked by pragmatism and balance. It seeks to navigate the complex dynamics of the region with a steady hand.
Solidarity with Israel: India’s expression of solidarity with Israel in the wake of a terror attack should not be viewed as a shift in policy, but as a natural response to support a friendly nation in a time of crisis.
Support for a Two-State Solution: India’s Ministry of External Affairs reaffirms its support for negotiations aimed at establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel. This stance reflects India’s long-standing position and commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Recognizing Regional Shifts: India’s engagement with the Middle East is shaped by its keen recognition of the transformative changes taking place in the Arab world. It was among the first to acknowledge and adapt to these shifts.
Pragmatic Engagement: India’s foreign policy in the Middle East is no longer driven solely by religious considerations. Instead, it emphasizes pragmatic engagement with regional stakeholders.
Critical Player: This transformational role positions India as a critical player in the region. It allows India to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing Middle East.

As the Middle East sees soaring tensions, Indian diplomacy will inevitably be under scrutiny. While challenges in the region aren’t new for New Delhi, what has evolved is its ambition to play a significant role in alignment with changing strategic realities.