Answer:

India’s approach to Israel and Palestine has shifted from a strong pro-Palestinian stance to a more balanced policy known as dehyphenation. This approach allows India to strengthen its relationship with Israel while maintaining its support for Palestine, reflecting its focus on national interests and its growing role as a global power.

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Dehyphenation Policy Overview

• Dehyphenation: The principle of dehyphenation enables India to manage its relations with Israel and Palestine separately, ensuring that the growth in one relationship does not negatively impact the other.
  For example: India’s first bilateral visit to Israel by Prime Minister Modi in 2017, without a corresponding visit to Palestine, demonstrated this strategic separation.
• Strengthening Israel Relations: India has expanded its ties with Israel, particularly in areas such as defence, technology, and agriculture, which provide significant economic and strategic advantages.
  For example: In 2021, India signed a $200 million defence deal with Israel, showcasing the growing military cooperation between the two nations.
• Continued Support for Palestine: Despite its growing ties with Israel, India continues to support Palestinian sovereignty and advocates for a two-state solution in international forums like the United Nations.
  For example: In 2020, India reiterated its support for Palestine at the UN General Assembly, calling for peaceful dialogue and a two-state solution.
• Strategic Autonomy: The dehyphenation policy reflects India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy, allowing it to pursue independent foreign policies based on national interests, rather than following ideological alignments.
  For example: India maintains strong partnerships with both Israel and the Arab states, balancing its diplomatic and economic engagements across West Asia.
• Economic Diplomacy with Gulf States: By delinking the Israel-Palestine conflict from its broader West Asia policy, India has bolstered its relations with Gulf nations, focusing on energy security and attracting investments.
  For example: India imports nearly 80% of its oil from the Gulf region, highlighting the importance of maintaining good ties with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Enhanced Role in Global Diplomacy: India’s dehyphenation policy has allowed it to play a more active role in global diplomacy, particularly in West Asia, without alienating either side of the conflict.
  For example: India’s neutral stance on issues like the Abraham Accords has helped maintain balanced relations with both Israel and the Arab world.
• Defence and Technology Cooperation: The policy has led to increased defence and technology partnerships with Israel, helping India improve its military capabilities and strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure.
  For example: India’s procurement of Israeli UAVs and missile systems demonstrates the critical role this partnership plays in modernising India’s defence sector.

Impact on India’s West Asia Policy

• Balancing Regional Interests: Dehyphenation allows India to balance its relationships between Israel and the Arab states, ensuring that it remains a reliable partner for all players in West Asia.
• Diversifying Diplomatic Engagements: India has diversified its diplomatic engagements beyond the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on technology, counterterrorism, and infrastructure cooperation in West Asia.
  For example: India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE in 2017 has deepened cooperation in areas such as trade and security.
• Increased Economic Ties: India’s balanced approach has resulted in growing economic relationships with both Israel and Gulf states, fostering partnerships that contribute to its economic growth.
  For example: Israel is a key partner in agricultural technology, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia contribute significantly to remittances and trade.
• Stability in Energy Imports: India’s neutral stance ensures stable energy imports from the Gulf, which is vital for its energy security and economic stability.
• Enhanced Global Role: By adopting a neutral foreign policy, India is positioning itself as a responsible global player capable of mediating conflicts in West Asia.
  For example: India’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions in West Asia illustrates its commitment to promoting regional stability.
• Security Cooperation with Israel: The dehyphenation policy has strengthened security cooperation between India and Israel, especially in areas like counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
• India’s Role in Multilateral Forums: Dehyphenation has allowed India to maintain a balanced stance in multilateral forums like the UN, supporting both Palestinian rights and expanding ties with Israel.
  For example: India frequently votes in favor of Palestinian resolutions at the UN while simultaneously engaging in defence cooperation with Israel.

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The principle of dehyphenation has enabled India to strengthen its relations with Israel without undermining its historic support for Palestine or its broader ties in West Asia. This strategy showcases India’s focus on national interests, economic growth, and regional stability, while balancing its diplomatic relations effectively.

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