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The geopolitics of the Middle East is complex and aggravated by the fact that
the worlds’ oil originates from there, the global shipping lanes running East-
West whether through the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf pass through this area.
Amidst this complexity, the relationships between India, Palestine, and Israel
stand as a testament to the multifaceted nature of international relations.
It is my belief that as an aspiring global leader, India cannot maintain its
existing diplomatic stance with Israel given the current conflict raging, which
in many ways is far, far worse than that happening in Ukraine now, or even in
the past.
The contemporary dynamics between India, Palestine, and Israel are shaped
by a delicate balance of political, economic, and strategic interests. India
maintains robust diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, often
seeking to navigate the complexities of the Middle East peace process while
trying to safeguard its own interests.
For Palestine, India was an important ally in its quest for statehood and self-
determination. Indian leaders have consistently reiterated their support for a
two-state solution, with Palestine and Israel coexisting peacefully within
secure and recognized borders. India has also provided developmental
assistance to Palestine, contributing to nation-building efforts in areas such as
infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Meanwhile, India’s engagement with Israel has deepened across various
domains. India, while advocating for dialogue and negotiations, faces
pressure to take clearer positions on specific issues, such as Israel’s
settlements in the West Bank or Palestine’s bid for statehood recognition.
The relationship is compounded by others such as Iran or Saudi Arabia,
making it more complex.
The creation of the Jewish state by a colonial power(s) has some
commonality in the way the British created India and Pakistan – never before
had there been mass migrations of populations in an ‘exchange program’ that
is laughable in today’s context, given the grounds for the creation are based
on claims of 3000 years ago.
But, that is history, and the creation of Israel in 1948 under a UN resolution is
one that cannot be altered, no matter how senseless it was. Also remember,
the UN created a two state solution.
The war of 67 gave adequate cause for Israel to annex the West Bank and to
‘ghettoise’ Gaza. Effectively putting an end to the two-state solution required
by the UN.
But let us move forward to the present day – the war of David against
Goliath. Remember David was a Jew. But it’s a story with the roles reversed.
India’s relationship with Israel has undergone significant transformation over
the years. Despite initially maintaining a distance due to concerns about
Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, India established diplomatic
relations with Israel in 1992.
Since then, bilateral ties have strengthened, particularly in the field of
defence. High tech weapons at prices which are ‘bargain basement’
compared to Western technology. More importantly an access to some this
technology, started well before ‘AtmaNirbhar’ Bharat. Remember, Russian
defence equipment was probably cheaper but using far lower technology.
The collapse of the Soviet Union and the crisis in defence spares and
maintenance led the change in reaching out to the Israelis.
Defence cooperation between the two countries has flourished, with India
emerging as one of the largest buyers of Israeli defence technology. Beyond
defines, bilateral trade and investment have expanded, driven by synergies in
areas such as agriculture, water management, and innovation.
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, marked by cycles of violence and
stalled peace efforts, poses a significant hurdle to regional stability. India,
while advocating for dialogue and negotiations, faces pressure to take clearer
positions on specific issues, such as Israel’s settlements in the West Bank or
Palestine’s bid for statehood recognition.
The current conflict and Israeli sledgehammer policies are in my opinion due
for a revision. The Israeli war is probably worse than any ‘pogrom’ their
kinfolk faced when in Russia. The Hamas and its actions were undoubtedly
murderous and can be labelled terrorism, but then the same should be said
of the entire population of Germany, where the SS and Nazi core members
cannot be said to reflect the ways of the entire German populace.
The American protests in the universities hark back to the Vietnam era. Find
anyone globally who sides with the American policies of that period.
India must navigate the delicate balance between its principles, interests, and
international obligations. By fostering dialogue, promoting development, and
advocating for peace, India can contribute meaningfully to the quest for a just
and lasting solution.
India has a voice in the international fora- or at least it claims to have. It is
time to call out a genocide for what it is.
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