Though India has shed its inhibitions in publicly engaging Israel, it has not abandoned its support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. Analyze.
The Maiden Israel visit this June by Indian Prime Minister marked a significant departure from existing foreign policy. While India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, It took 25 more years to witness an Indian PM visit Israel. In this regard, this visit symbolizes pragmatism in foreign policy which has resulted into India loosing any reluctance in publicly engaging with Israel.
Recently, United States recognized Jerusalem as Capital of Israel. This was followed by a vote in United Nation General Assembly where 128 countries including India have voted against this move. India’s vote highlighted well-thought out, pragmatic and Independent policy making. Simultaneously this reflects how India carries out the delicate balancing act in managing successful bilateral relations with the Arab Triangle i.e. Israel, Iran and Saudi Arabia, where having good relation with all three is equally important.
Palestine Cause is not only India’s ideological stand but there are certain realities which makes it significant. India’s large domestic Muslim population and our crucial energy demand which is fulfilled majorly by Arab countries also makes Palestine issue important to us.
India however has improved bilateral ties significantly with Israel but time and again it has also reiterated support to the Palestinian cause, stating that “there should be a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel”. This de-hyphenation of Israel and Palestine issue by India facilitates greater convergence of India’s interests with the countries evolved. Such Pragmatism is most viable alternative India has in changing global scenario.
Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations