Image credit: esfera/ Shutterstock/Artwork: Anastasia Shub
by Arnab Baidya 20 October 2023
The evolving Indian stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is a reflection of complex factors, both international and domestic, that are shaping India’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing global landscape. Historically, India has carefully balanced its support for the Palestinian cause with its deepening engagement with Israel, showcasing its commitment to principles of non-alignment and multilateralism. However, recent shifts in India’s approach have prompted an important debate about the implications of this transformation. India’s response to the Israel-Gaza conflict indicates a broader shift in its foreign policy. The response has notably favored Israel, departing from the traditionally nuanced and balanced stance. This new approach is a marked departure from India’s previous posture, which consistently underlined the need for a balanced approach, condemning violence from both sides and advocating a two-state solution.
One of the explanations for this shift lies in India’s evolving relations in the Middle East. India’s ties with Israel have significantly strengthened over the years, transforming from a historical alignment with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) during Indira Gandhi’s era to becoming one of Israel’s major arms customers and defense partners today. This transformation is further bolstered by strong support from the United States, making Israel a strategic ally for India in the region. This shift, however, raises questions about whether India can afford to disregard the sentiments of its Arab allies in the Middle East. Arab nations have traditionally been vocal supporters of the Palestinian cause, and this shift may strain India’s relations with key trade partners and allies in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. India’s economic interests in the Middle East, especially its ambitious plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), add another layer of complexity to this equation. Escalating conflict in the region could jeopardize these economic interests, potentially affecting India’s economic stability and energy security.
Furthermore, India has a unique position in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is one of the few nations with robust diplomatic relations with both sides. In such a situation, India has an opportunity and a responsibility to promote peace and act as a vocal peacemaker in a highly divided and volatile conflict zone. The shift in India’s stance may also have domestic implications. It appears to align with the government’s approach to handling protests and criticism. For instance, protests in Kashmir have drawn inspiration from Palestinian protests against Israeli actions, equating them to the Palestinian ‘intifada’ of 1987. The government’s support for Israel while downplaying the Palestinian cause might be an attempt to control domestic narratives and to suppress criticism, even at the expense of India’s traditionally empathetic and non-partisan stance.
This shift calls into question India’s foreign policy in a changing global landscape. Over the years, India has aimed to strike a balance between its historical support for the Palestinian cause and its deepening engagement with Israel. This balance has been a testament to India’s commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and its aspiration to play a significant role on the global stage. However, the recent shift towards a more unequivocal alignment with Israel calls into question India’s ability to maintain this delicate balance and uphold its traditional values. In essence, it challenges the principle of non-alignment that India has historically championed. By positioning itself as a more vocal supporter of Israel, India could find itself drawn into the larger geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, potentially complicating its relations with nations that have historically supported the Palestinian cause.
Moreover, this shift could have implications for India’s role in international organizations, particularly the United Nations. India has traditionally played an active role in various UN forums and has consistently supported resolutions that emphasize the rights of the Palestinian people. With its evolving stance, India might face greater scrutiny and pressure from other nations, especially those in the Arab world, to align more closely with the prevailing international consensus regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Additionally, India’s changing stance on this issue may influence its image on the global stage. India has been seen as a responsible and pragmatic power that upholds the principles of justice and equity. Its evolving stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict might be viewed as a departure from these principles, which could impact its standing and credibility as a key player in international diplomacy.
On the domestic front, the shift in India’s stance might also have political ramifications. The government’s alignment with Israel and the downplaying of the Palestinian cause can be seen as catering to certain domestic constituencies. While this may have short-term benefits in terms of domestic politics, it runs the risk of polarizing the issue further and undermining India’s reputation as a fair and impartial mediator.
The changing dynamics of India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict are multi-faceted and merit a deeper examination. This shift reflects the evolving nature of India’s foreign policy in a globalized world and its desire to balance its strategic interests with its historical commitments. Whether this recalibration will serve India’s long-term interests and influence its role in shaping international outcomes remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a significant departure from its historical approach to this enduring conflict.