India's New Stance on Israel-Palestine: What's Changed?

Historical Roots

India's solidarity with Palestine and its stance on the Palestinian cause have deep historical ties, dating back to its own struggle against British colonialism. In 1938, Mahatma Gandhi voiced his opposition to imposing Jews on Arabs in Palestine. In 1947, India, having experienced the horrors of partition, notably voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, being the only non-Arab and non-Muslim nation to do so.

Post-Independence and Diplomatic Initiatives

After gaining independence, India continued its empathetic approach toward Palestine, making it a crucial element of its foreign policy. India actively supported the Palestinian cause in international forums. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India was among the first countries to recognize the state of Palestine.

Supportive Actions

India further solidified its commitment by establishing the Representative Office for Palestine Authority (PA) in Gaza, later moved to Ramallah in 2003. India consistently supported UN resolutions against Israeli actions, including the construction of the West Bank wall. It voted in favor of Palestine's full membership in UNESCO in 2011 and the upgrade of Palestine to a 'non-member state' in the UN in 2012. In 2014, India supported a UNHRC resolution to investigate Israel's offensive in Gaza.

Cooperation with Palestine

India not only provided political support but also extended material and technical assistance to Palestine, with over US$30 million in budgetary aid since 1995. Cultural ties flourished, and India supported education in Palestine, offering hundreds of scholarships to Palestinian students.

Reasons for India's Pro-Palestine Stance

India's sympathy for the Palestinian cause stems from its considerable Muslim population and the desire not to hurt minority sentiments. Additionally, India sought to safeguard the interests of over seven million citizens working in Arab countries, which are vital sources of forex reserves. Oil imports from Arab nations also played a crucial role. During the Cold War, India's alignment with Arab nations and the desire to counter Pakistan with Arab support contributed to its pro-Palestine policy.

India-Israel Relations: A Shift

India initially voted against the UN resolution for Israel's creation but officially recognized Israel in 1950. Full diplomatic ties were established only in 1992, marking a significant shift. Several factors contributed to this change, including India's dissatisfaction with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which neglected India's interests, and Israel's support during Indo-Pak conflicts. India's alignment with the U.S. in the post-Cold War era further strengthened its relationship with Israel.

Post-1992 Relations

Since 1992, India-Israel relations have flourished economically, militarily, agriculturally, and in areas like space research and politics. Israel became a vital defense partner for India, supplying crucial technologies. India is now the world's largest importer of Israeli weaponry.

Balancing Act and Current Policy

India maintains a stance supportive of the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Although India's relations with Israel have grown, its commitment to the Palestinian cause remains. However, there have been instances of India diluting its reaction to Israel's actions, indicating a balancing act. While India abstained from certain UN votes related to Israel, it emphasized that its traditional support for Palestine remains unchanged.

Challenges and Considerations

India faces the challenge of balancing its growing ties with Israel against its dependence on Arab nations for energy security and the sentiments of its Muslim population. Careful consideration is essential, given the complex dynamics of the region.

Conclusion

India's evolving stance on the Israel-Palestine issue reflects its diplomatic balancing act in a region marked by intricate geopolitical dynamics. While India's relations with both Israel and Palestine have grown, maintaining a principled and pragmatic approach remains vital for its foreign policy.

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