Date : 14/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Keywords: Maralism, Strategic autonomy, Israel-Gaza Conflict, PLO

Context-

India's foreign policy, shaped by historical experiences of colonialism, has witnessed a transformation under the Narendra Modi government. While historical anti-colonial sentiments and non-alignment principles persisted for decades, recent geopolitical shifts are redefining India's stance on global issues. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict serves as a litmus test for understanding India's changing worldview.

Historical Context:

Post-independence, India, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, championed "strategic autonomy" and non-alignment during the Cold War. Moralism against imperialism sometimes translated into anti-western stances, even as India maintained its commitment to democracy and diversity. India's initial vote against the partition of Palestine in 1947 reflected its own experience with British-driven partition.

India's Approach to Israel-Palestine Relations:

• In 1947, the United Nations voted to partition the former British Mandate Territory of Palestine into Israel and Palestine.
• India voted against the partition, drawing parallels to its own experience with the British-driven partition that created Pakistan.
• India advocated for a single secular state in Palestine, akin to its own secular state, but was outvoted.
• Despite the initial opposition, India recognized Israel after its establishment but maintained consular-level relations for over four decades.
• In 1974, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
• In 1988, India formally extended recognition to the Palestinian state.
• It was only in 1992 that India upgraded its relations with Israel to Ambassadorial level.

Turning Point in India-Israel Relations:

• Pakistan-enabled Islamic militancy against India led to New Delhi seeking warmer relations with Tel Aviv.
• Both countries shared common enemies in Islamist extremists and faced terrorist attacks from self-declared holy warriors, fostering security and intelligence cooperation.
• Over time, political and diplomatic relations between India and Israel flourished.
• Despite the substantial Muslim population in India, successive governments continued to support the PLO.
• When Yasser Arafat pursued a peaceful solution, India advocated for the two-state solution, calling for security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis behind recognized borders.
• India maintains Ambassadors in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah, emphasizing its commitment to the region.
• The India-Israel relationship has strengthened with Israel serving as a crucial source of defense equipment and intelligence cooperation.
• Allegations suggest Israel provided surveillance software for use by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government against domestic opponents and critics.
• Personal warmth between Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Narendra Modi is evident in their meetings, symbolizing their close relationship.
• Mr. Modi was quick to express solidarity with Israel after a terrorist attack on October 7, tweeting and making a supportive telephone call to Mr. Netanyahu.
• Israeli retribution received loud cheers from supporters of Mr. Modi's government, irrespective of political affiliations.

Erosion of One-Sided Support:

• Initial Indian support for Israel in the Gaza conflict faced criticism due to the mounting death toll and media coverage of destruction.
• After some days, India's External Affairs Ministry issued a statement supporting the resumption of direct negotiations for a sovereign Palestinian state.
• The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, did not immediately express sympathy on Twitter but called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convey condolences for the loss of innocent lives.
• The call aimed to balance India's stance, given Abbas's opposition to Hamas, which controls Gaza.
• India reiterated its long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing support for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.

Global Isolation and Unusual Alliances:

• The United Nations General Assembly recently called for an "immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce."
• India chose to abstain from the vote, citing the resolution's failure to condemn the terror attacks of October 7.
• France, a historical ally of Israel, voted for the resolution but expressed disappointment in its lack of condemnation for terrorism.
• India's abstention appeared more pro-Israeli than France's stance, raising eyebrows and criticism.
• The decision was perceived as unusual for the land of Mahatma Gandhi, not aligning with expectations of a peace-promoting stance.
• India's move seemingly isolated it from the rest of the Global South, contrary to its self-proclaimed role as the voice of this group of nations.
• A corrective action took place later when India, for the first time, joined the overwhelming majority in favor of a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
• The subsequent vote saw India aligning with 153 countries in favor, 10 against, and 23 abstentions.
• Despite the corrective vote, the echoes of India's initial abstention continue to resonate, prompting ongoing discussions and scrutiny

Changing Dynamics and Foreign Policy Reorientation:

• India's foreign policy under Mr. Modi has undergone significant changes, notably in its approach to Israel and more subtly in other areas.
• The rise of China has led to a closer alignment with the United States, with shared concerns about Beijing's intentions, particularly following the Galwan incident in June 2020.
• In line with its receptivity to U.S. strategic thinking, India joined the "I2U2" quadrilateral dialogue with Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, reflecting a reorientation in the geopolitics of the Middle East after the Abraham Accords.
• The G-20 summit in New Delhi introduced the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEC), an economic cooperation initiative. The proposed trade route would extend from India through Saudi Arabia to the Israeli port of Haifa.
• Russia's diminishing utility in global geopolitics and China's challenges at India's disputed frontier have contributed to a fundamental reorientation in India's international alliances.
• The recent conflict in Gaza serves as a manifestation of India's perceptible change in its worldview, reflecting evolving perspectives on global affairs.

Conclusion

The evolving dynamics of India's foreign policy, as exemplified by its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, underscore the changing geopolitical landscape under the Modi government. From historical non-alignment and anti-colonial sentiments to forging strategic alliances and embracing a more assertive role, India's foreign policy is adapting to contemporary challenges. The Gaza issue serves as a prism through which India's recalibration in global perspectives is discernible, reflecting a nuanced approach that balances historical alliances with emerging geopolitical realities. As India navigates the complex terrain of international relations, the world watches to see how this evolving foreign policy shapes its role on the global stage.

Source- The Hindu