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

The IsraelPalestine conflict has been a longstanding complex issue marked by decades of tensions and violence Indias position on this conflict has evolved over time However after the recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel Indias stance has gained attention due to its approachHistorically India has stood with Palestine and advocated ldquotowards establishing a sovereign independent and viable state of PalestinerdquoIndiarsquos father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi wrote in Harijan on November 26 1938 ldquoPalestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the FrenchrdquoGandhirsquos article ldquoThe Jews has been the subject of intense debate over the years Many have seen it as further proof of his deep commitment to nonviolence regardless of consequencesThis statement underscores Indias stand with the Palestinian cause In 1974 India became the first nonArab 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 Indias support for the Palestinian struggle for selfdeterminationIndia 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 cosponsored resolutions affirming the right of Palestinians to selfdetermination and voted in favour of granting Palestine nonmember observer state status at the UNBilateral relations between India and Palestine have been characterised by highlevel 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 firstever visit by an Indian President These visits underscored the importance of Indias relationship with PalestineIn 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 LibrarycumStudent 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 PalestineFinancial assistance from India has played a crucial role in supporting Palestines 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 agencys financial challengesWhile Indias position on the IsraelPalestine conflict has been consistent in its support for a twostate 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 2015However Indias approach to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn attention In the early stages of the conflict Indias 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 Indias longstanding positionPrime Minister Narendra Modis 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 Indias firm support for Israel and condemnation of terrorismOn October 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X ldquoDeeply 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 SICrdquo the Prime Minister posted on XHowever days later Indias Ministry of External Affairs MEA reaffirmed its ldquodecadesold stancerdquo 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 Indias consistent and longstanding support for a twostate solution with a sovereign independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders coexisting peacefully with IsraelMinistry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India believes in its longstanding support for the establishment of a sovereign independent and viable state of PalestineOur 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 saidThe 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 Indias energy securityThe recent recalibration of Indias stance with a renewed emphasis on a sovereign and viable state of Palestine has been seen as significant This shift aligns with Indias historical support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict It reflects Indias desire to balance its relationships in the Middle East and uphold its commitment to international humanitarian lawAs the situation continues to evolve Indias role and stance in the IsraelPalestine conflict will remain a focal point of global interest and examination on the international stage