| Introduction: Brief context to the question Body: Explain evolution of India’s foreign policy and how it has impacted its relations with Global South Conclusion: Way forward |
India’s foreign policy towards the Israel-Palestine conflict has evolved over the years, reflecting a nuanced approach. Traditionally, India maintained a pro-Palestinian stance during the Cold War era. However, in recent decades, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more balanced and pragmatic position.
Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy
- Historical Support for Palestine: India emphasized sympathy with the Palestinian people’s quest for self-determination and supported the Palestinian cause vigorously during the Cold War. India historically supported the Palestinian cause, opposing the partition of Palestine in 1947. It was the first non-Arab state to recognize the PLO and one of the earliest to acknowledge the State of Palestine in 1988.
- Normalization of Relations: India’s relations with Israel started to improve in the 1990s, and in 1992, full diplomatic connections were established. Economic and geopolitical factors drove this change.
- Balanced Approach: Since then, India has retained a neutral position, encouraging robust military, economic, and scientific connections with Israel while concurrently endorsing the establishment of an autonomous and sovereign state for the Palestinian people.
- Multifaceted Engagement: India maintains a multifaceted relationship with both Israel and Palestine, focusing on defense cooperation, agriculture, technology, and counterterrorism. India has invested heavily in financial aid, sports, healthcare, education, and capacity building, as well as material and diplomatic support to Palestine.
Impact
- Global South Relations: India has been able to interact with nations all around the Global South thanks to its impartial stance. India stays neutral toward other countries that might have different opinions about the conflict by keeping relations with both Israel and Palestine.
- Diversification of Partnerships: India’s ties with Arab and Islamic countries have not been hampered by its involvement with Israel. India’s standing in international fora has been enhanced by its capacity to negotiate a variety of geopolitical environments.
- Economic and Technological Gains: India has benefited economically and technologically from closer ties with Israel. In sectors like agriculture, water management, and defense technologies, Israel is a crucial partner.
- Collaboration in the fight against terrorism: India and Israel are both subject to similar terrorist threats. India’s standing in the international world has improved and bilateral relations have been strengthened via cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
Conclusion
India has adopted a pragmatist and impartial stance in its growing foreign policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. India’s diplomatic flexibility and good engagement with countries in the Global South have been facilitated by this approach, which has allowed India to retain diplomatic contacts with both parties. India’s standing on the international scene has been strengthened by its capacity to handle challenging geopolitical situations.
