India's stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict: A subject of global interest and scrutiny

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a long-standing complex issue, marked by decades of tensions and violence. India's position on this conflict has evolved over time. However, after the recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, India's stance has gained attention due to its approach.

Historically India has stood with Palestine and advocated "towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine".

India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi wrote in Harijan on November 26, 1938: "Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English, or France to the French."

Gandhi's article "The Jews'' has been the subject of intense debate over the years. Many have seen it as further proof of his deep commitment to non-violence, regardless of consequences.

This statement underscores India's stand with the Palestinian cause. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab state to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India was among the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine. This recognition solidified India's support for the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

India has also played an active role in international forums to advocate for Palestinian rights. The country has consistently supported resolutions related to the Palestinian cause in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). India has co-sponsored resolutions affirming the right of Palestinians to self-determination and voted in favour of granting Palestine non-member observer state status at the UN.

Bilateral relations between India and Palestine have been characterised by high-level visits and cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Palestine in 2018, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Former President Pranab Mukherjee also visited Palestine in 2015, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President. These visits underscored the importance of India's relationship with Palestine.

In addition to political support, India has provided significant economic assistance to Palestine. India supported the construction of key infrastructure projects in Palestine, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at Al Azhar University in Gaza and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College in Deir Al Balah. India has also funded projects through the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund, aimed at improving healthcare and education facilities in Palestine.

Financial assistance from India has played a crucial role in supporting Palestine's development. India has provided budgetary support to Palestine, and the annual contribution towards the UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) has been increased to help address the agency's financial challenges.

While India's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent in its support for a two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people, it has also navigated its relationship with Israel. India has developed strong ties with Israel over the years, with growing economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. This was particularly after the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2015.

However, India's approach to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn attention. In the early stages of the conflict, India's statements emphasised its support for Israel and did not explicitly mention Palestine. This drew criticism from opposition politicians and civil society activists who saw it as a departure from India's longstanding position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initial response to the conflict expressed shock over a Hamas strike, describing it as a "terrorist" action. Subsequently, he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and affirmed India's firm support for Israel and condemnation of terrorism.

On October 7, after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour (SIC)," the Prime Minister posted on X.

However, days later India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its "decades-old stance" on the conflict, on October 12, 2023, by advocating the resumption of direct negotiations for a peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine. In a statement, the MEA emphasised India's consistent and long-standing support for a two-state solution, with a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India believes in its long-standing support for the establishment of a "sovereign, independent and viable" state of Palestine.

"Our policy has been long standing and consistent. India always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel. I think that position remains the same," he said.

The changing dynamics of the conflict and the worldwide responses have placed India in a sensitive position. India has strong strategic, economic, and cultural interests with Arab nations, many of which have been relatively quiet about the assault on Gaza. Additionally, India is a major importer of oil from countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Any disruption in oil supplies from the region could impact India's energy security.

The recent recalibration of India's stance, with a renewed emphasis on a "sovereign... and viable state of Palestine," has been seen as significant. This shift aligns with India's historical support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. It reflects India's desire to balance its relationships in the Middle East and uphold its commitment to international humanitarian law.

As the situation continues to evolve, India's role and stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict will remain a focal point of global interest and examination on the international stage.