In a dramatic turn of events, recent reports have cast a shadow over India’s long-standing diplomatic principles, revealing a potential clandestine role in the Gaza conflict. Allegations have emerged, backed by detailed documentation, suggesting that India has been covertly exporting military supplies to Israel. This development not only raises eyebrows but also poses significant questions about India’s proclaimed stance on peace and diplomacy. As the world grapples with the complex dynamics of the Middle East, these revelations thrust India into the spotlight, challenging its imageas a proponent of non-violence and dialogue, and potentially altering its role in the international arena.
Allegations and Evidence
According to documents obtained by Al Jazeera, a cargo ship named Borkum left India’s port of Chennai on April 2, 2024, carrying substantial amounts of explosives and rocket engines bound for Israel’s port of Ashdod, which is located near the Gaza Strip. The shipment reportedly included:
- 20 tonnes of rocket engines
- 12.5 tonnes of rockets with explosive charges
- 1,500kg of explosive substances
- 740kg of charges and propellants for cannons
These military components were allegedly intended for IMI Systems, an Israeli defense firm now under Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer. This has led to concerns about the use of these components in the ongoing conflict in Gaza .
Further fueling these concerns, a video released by the Quds News Network on June 6, 2024, showed the remains of a missile dropped by Israeli warplanes during the bombing of a United Nations shelter at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza. Among the wreckage, a label was clearly visible, reading: “Made in India” .
Context and Expert Opinions
Zain Hussain, a researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), emphasized that while the video needs further verification, there is a significant collaboration between India and Israel, particularly in missile production, such as the Barak surface-to-air missile system .
India’s collaboration with Israel in defense is not new. In December 2018, Adani Defence & Aerospace, a branch of Adani Enterprises Ltd, and Israel’s Elbit Systems inaugurated the Adani Elbit Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Complex (UAV) in Hyderabad. This facility is noted as the first outside Israel to manufacture the Hermes 900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV, which can be armed with anti-tank guided missiles .
While the Adani Group has denied exporting any UAVs to Israel since October 7, 2023, the potential for India to have begun exporting drones under this agreement—and their use in Gaza—remains a subject of scrutiny .
India’s Diplomatic Position
India’s diplomatic stance on the Gaza conflict has traditionally been one of balance. The country has consistently called for peace and supported ceasefire efforts, while also demanding the return of captives held by Hamas in Gaza. These recent allegations, however, may complicate India’s diplomatic narrative .
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has argued that Indians, being significant victims of terrorism, are naturally sympathetic to Israel’s security concerns. He has also supported Israel’s position regarding a UN General Assembly resolution, which Israel criticized for not explicitly condemning Hamas’s attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,139 Israelis .
Historical Relations
India recognized the State of Israel in 1950, establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1992. Simultaneously, India has been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, recognizing the State of Palestine in 1988. This dual recognition reflects India’s attempt to balance its relations in the Middle East, maintaining ties with both Israel and Palestine .
International Reactions and Implications
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the international community is closely monitoring India’s actions. The allegations of India supplying weapons to Israel could have significant implications for its foreign policy and diplomatic relations in the region.
The potential role of Indian-manufactured weapons in the Gaza conflict poses a challenge to India’s commitment to peace and dialogue. If verified, these actions might be perceived as contradictory to its public stance advocating for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.
Conclusion
The allegations of India exporting military supplies to Israel amid the Gaza conflict are serious and warrant thorough investigation. The evidence presented, including cargo shipment documents and video footage, suggests a possible involvement that contradicts India’s diplomatic rhetoric of peace and dialogue. As these revelations unfold, India’s role in the Middle East’s complex geopolitical landscape will be scrutinized, testing its diplomatic strategies and commitment to international peace.