Answer:
Approach:
- Introduction: Outline the historical context of India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and set the stage for discussing its evolving nature.
- Body:
- Discuss India’s alignment with Palestine during the pre-independence era and early post-independence years, emphasizing key diplomatic decisions.
- Explore the domestic and geopolitical factors that cemented India’s pro-Palestine stance.
- Detail the changing dynamics that led to a closer relationship between India and Israel, covering critical events and the rationale behind them.
- Highlight how India has tried to maintain a balanced approach in recent years, reflecting on key votes and diplomatic stances.
- Discuss the complexities India faces in this diplomatic balancing act, given its relationships in the Middle East and its energy security considerations.
- Conclusion: Summarize India’s evolving stance, emphasizing its challenge in balancing relations with both Israel and Palestine while protecting its broader geopolitical and national interests.
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Introduction:
India’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has undergone significant changes since pre-independence. Historically, India’s support for Palestine was rooted in its anti-colonial struggle and solidarity with other oppressed nations. However, geopolitical considerations, changing international dynamics, and national interests have shaped its evolving stance.
Body:
Historical Solidarity with Palestine:
- Pre-Independence Sentiments: Mahatma Gandhi, during the British colonial rule, empathized with the Jews but believed that imposing a Jewish homeland in Palestine was unjust to the Arabs.
- Post-Independence Support: After gaining independence and experiencing the traumatic partition, India voted against the division of Palestine at the United Nations in 1947, being the only non-Arab and non-Muslim country to do so. This illustrated India’s commitment to Palestine.
Diplomatic Engagement:
- Recognition and Solidarity: Post-independence, India’s foreign policy prominently featured support for Palestine. Notable actions include India being the first non-Arab nation to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1974 and recognizing the state of Palestine in 1988.
- UN Stances: India’s voting pattern in the UN reflected its support for Palestine, with votes against Israel’s West Bank wall (2003), supporting Palestine’s full membership in UNESCO (2011), and upgrading Palestine’s status to a non-member state in the UN (2012).
Reasons Behind Pro-Palestine Policy:

- Domestic Considerations: With a considerable Muslim population, India’s pro-Palestine approach aligned with the sentiments of its minority community.
- Geopolitical Considerations: India’s large diaspora in Arab countries, dependence on Arab nations for oil imports, and the aim to counter Pakistan with Arab support played significant roles in shaping its pro-Palestine policy.
Shift Towards Israel:
- Initial Recognition: Despite voting against the creation of Israel, India recognized Israel in 1950. However, full diplomatic relations were only established in 1992.
- Reasons for Shift: Factors like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s exclusion of India, lack of Arab support on the Kashmir issue, and Israel’s support during Indo-Pak wars facilitated this shift. The end of the Cold War and the rise of the US further tilted India towards Israel.
- Post-1992 Relations: From defense cooperation, such as during the Kargil War, to agricultural, technological, and trade partnerships, the India-Israel bond has strengthened considerably.
Balanced Approach:
- Two-State Solution: India consistently advocates for a two-state solution, supporting a sovereign Palestine coexisting with Israel.
- Diluted Reactions: While India’s relationship with Israel has strengthened, its outright support for Palestine at international forums has seen a gradual dilution.
Challenges and Way Forward:
- Balancing Act: As India deepens its ties with Israel, it must tread cautiously, considering its energy ties with Arab nations and its relationship with countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
- Future Approach: While Israel seeks a stronger endorsement from India, geopolitical considerations require India to maintain a balanced approach towards both Israel and Palestine, ensuring that its national interests are not compromised.
Conclusion:
India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue has evolved in tandem with its geopolitical considerations and shifting international dynamics. While the historical context set the stage for India’s pro-Palestine policy, its growing global aspirations and partnerships have necessitated a nuanced approach. Balancing its relations with both entities while safeguarding its national interests remains India’s diplomatic challenge.
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