India's diplomatic dilemma: Navigating the Israel-Gaza conflict
India's diplomatic dilemma: India has stated that it has "always advocated for direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine." Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi emphasized that India is aware of its universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law. He described India's stance on the Palestine issue as "longstanding and consistent," reaffirming the government's desire to see negotiations leading to a Palestinian state living "within secure and recognized borders, side-by-side and at peace with Israel."
This statement comes after earlier remarks that unequivocally supported Israel and did not mention Palestine, drawing criticism from opposition politicians and civil society activists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first comment on the October 7 strike by Hamas labeled it as a "terrorist" action, and he expressed deep shock. In a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi stated, "India stands firmly with Israel and strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism."
‘For permanent peace in the Middle-East, Israel must vacate Palestinian land it has illegally occupied.’
-- Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when he became India’s External Affairs Minister, at a rally in Delhi in March 1977. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/Fildbp9qiD — Sudheendra Kulkarni (@SudheenKulkarni) October 8, 2023
While both sets of comments condemn terrorism, the recent emphasis on "a sovereign and viable state of Palestine" is seen as a significant shift in India's position on the conflict. This change is occurring as India seeks a more prominent role in the Middle East, and it is perceived as a recalibration of stances in light of Israel's extensive response to the conflict.
India's initial response was influenced by humanitarian concerns for the casualties in Israel and the friendly relations cultivated under the Modi and Netanyahu governments. However, as the situation develops, India may face challenges, especially if Arab states, which have been relatively quiet about the Gaza assault, start to voice their concerns. India has significant strategic, economic, and cultural interests in Arab nations. Moreover, India imports most of its oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and any disruption in oil supplies could pose difficulties.
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India also has a historical relationship with Palestine. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab state to recognize Palestine as the "legitimate representative" of the Palestinians, and in 1988, as a full state. These ties have persisted under the Modi government, with high-level visits between leaders.
Notably, it is not only the BJP government led by PM Modi that has called for "an independent state." Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a prominent BJP leader, in 1977 stated that for the Middle East issue to be resolved, "Israel must vacate Palestinian land it has illegally occupied."
India's two responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict echo balanced statements made in May 2021 when India criticized both sides.
This second and more balanced response is significant, given the domestic political controversy sparked by the conflict. The opposition Congress defended the right to "live with dignity and respect," but the BJP accused them of supporting terrorism and playing politics.
The conflict has taken a significant toll, with over 1,500 Gazans killed in Israeli airstrikes and over 1,200 people, including civilians, killed by Hamas attacks. A ground incursion is anticipated, and over two million people in Gaza are facing dire shortages of basic necessities, raising concerns of mass starvation and deaths. The United Nations has condemned Israel's demand for civilians to move southwards, which has also been rejected by Hamas.
- With inputs from agencies
