• UGI USER
  • Nov 26, 2023
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WHERE DOES INDIA STAND ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR?

Relevance:

GS2 :

  • India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.
  • Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
  • Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Source: BBC

 Issue in focus :

  • The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has prompted scrutiny of India’s stance, exploring its alignment with Western nations versus the Global South. 
  • The focus is on India’s articulated position, the historical backdrop of its diplomatic choices, and the potential repercussions on its relations with key players in West Asia.

Hamas

  • Formation: Hamas, short for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, originated in the late 1980s during the First Intifada, primarily as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation.
  • Nature: It is both a militant and political organization, with its founding rooted in the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.
  • Objective: Hamas aims for the establishment of an Islamic state in historic Palestine, rejecting the existence of Israel and advocating for the rights of Palestinians.

Goals and Ideology

  • Anti-Israel Stance: Ideologically opposed to Israeli presence in Palestinian territories, Hamas seeks the liberation of Palestinian lands, including East Jerusalem, which it envisions as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
  • Refugee Rights: Advocates for the rights of Palestinian refugees and their descendants, emphasizing the right of return to their ancestral homes.

Control in Gaza

  • Power Shift: In 2007, Hamas forcibly took control of the Gaza Strip after intense clashes with Fatah, its rival Palestinian faction.
  • Governance: The governance of Gaza by Hamas marked a significant shift in the dynamics of Palestinian politics, with the West Bank under the control of Fatah.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

  • Root Causes: The overarching conflict involves deep-rooted disputes over land, Israeli settlements, borders, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
  • Historical Context: Historical grievances, including the Nakba of 1948 and subsequent wars, contribute to the complex and enduring nature of the conflict.

Israel-Hamas Tensions

  • Rocket Attacks: Periodic rocket attacks launched by Hamas from Gaza into Israeli territories often trigger escalations.
  • Israeli Responses: Israel responds with military operations, airstrikes, and, at times, ground incursions into Gaza, resulting in casualties and destruction.

Humanitarian Concerns

  • Civilian Impact: The conflict has severe humanitarian consequences, leading to civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to infrastructure in Gaza.
  • Socio-economic Challenges: Ongoing hostilities exacerbate socio-economic challenges, hindering development and normalcy.

International Diplomacy

  • Mediation Attempts: Numerous international efforts have been made to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians, including Hamas.
  • Differing Stances: Countries and international organizations exhibit varying degrees of support for either Israel or the Palestinian cause, complicating diplomatic initiatives.

Peace Efforts and Challenges

  • Historical Attempts: Previous peace initiatives, such as the Oslo Accords, faced challenges and failed to yield a lasting resolution.
  • Complexities: The multifaceted nature of the dispute, encompassing historical, political, and security dimensions, presents obstacles to achieving a sustainable peace process.

Ceasefire Attempts:

  • Intermittent Efforts: Periodic attempts at ceasefire agreements, often mediated by regional and international actors, have been made.
  • Elusiveness of Peace: Despite intermittent pauses in hostilities, a comprehensive and enduring peace remains elusive, with deep-seated issues persisting.

Multifaceted Indian Position

Historical Context

  • Historical Alignment with Global South:
    • Traditionally, India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict aligned with the Global South, supporting the Palestinian cause.
    • While maintaining this alignment, India has strengthened strategic, defence, and trade ties with Israel since 1992.
  • Shift in Tone
    • Observers noted a softening of language against Israel in UN statements post the Kargil war.
    • Recent events, including India’s vote on October 26, marked a departure from this historical alignment.
  • Response to Attacks:
    • Since the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli bombardment, India condemned terrorism vehemently.
    • The government stood with Israel but refrained from designating Hamas as a terrorist group.
  • Calls for Restraint:
    • India urged Israel for restraint, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
    • Joint statements with the U.S. and Australia advocated “humanitarian pauses” but stopped short of endorsing a full ceasefire.
  • Support for Two-State Solution:
    • India reiterated support for a “two-state solution,” advocating a sovereign, viable Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
    • Emphasis on the “socio-economic welfare” of Palestinians underscored India’s commitment.
  • Humanitarian Assistance:
    • As a humanitarian gesture, India sent 70 tonnes of aid, including medicines, to Gaza via Egypt.
    • External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted these efforts at the BRICS emergency meeting.

Divergence from Traditional Stand

  • UN Voting Patterns:
    • India abstained from a UNGA vote on October 26, calling for a ceasefire, aligning with Western countries signalling a potential shift.
    • Notably, India’s vote at the UNGA deviated from its historical pattern.
    • Voted in favour of resolutions against Israel’s settler policies on November 9, aligning more with the Global South.
  • De-Hyphenation from the West:
    • India’s unique position includes refraining from designating Hamas as a terror group, unlike Western nations.
    • This divergence raises questions about India’s evolving relationship with the West.

Impact on Regional Relations:

  • Ties with Gulf and Arab Nations:
    • India’s relations with Israel have been “de-hyphenated” from its ties with Palestine, evolving independently.
    • The potential shift in favour of Israel over Gulf and Arab ties could impact strategic initiatives.
  • I2U2 and Economic Corridor Implications:
    • The India-Israel-UAE-U.S. ( I2U2 )trade initiative and the India-Middle East + Europe Economic Corridor might face challenges due to the Arab League and OIC’s reactions to the conflict.
  • Labour Dynamics:
    • Israeli interest in employing Indian workers raises considerations about the eight million Indians working in Gulf countries.
    • The Indian government’s approach will likely navigate a delicate balance to avoid repercussions on Indian workers.

Potential Repercussions on Iran Ties

  • Strengthened ties with Iran, evidenced by projects like Chabahar port, could face challenges if India is perceived to be taking sides.

India’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict reflects a delicate balancing act between historical affiliations with the Global South and evolving relations with Israel. The ramifications on regional dynamics, especially with the Arab world and Iran, underscore the complexities India faces in navigating this diplomatic landscape. As the situation unfolds, India’s nuanced approach will likely continue to be tested, impacting its strategic engagements in West Asia.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/where-does-india-stand-on-the-israel-hamas-war-explained/article67574331.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question

Considering the emerging role of India as a World leader in the global stage. Critically analyze India’s multifaceted position on the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.