Balancing policy- India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror

Source: The post is based on the article “Balancing policy- India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror” published in The Hindu on 14th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News: The article discusses India’s response to a violent attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens. India’s Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Israel but also advised observing international humanitarian law. India maintains a careful stance, supporting both Israel and the Palestinian cause, while ensuring the safety of its citizens in the conflicted region.

How did India respond to Hamas’ attack on Israel?

Immediate Reaction to the Attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India quickly expressed solidarity with Israel after Hamas’ attack, both through tweets and a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Citizen Safety Actions: India, concerned for its 18,000 citizens in Israel due to the conflict and retaliatory strikes, chartered flights to bring them home safely.

Formal Statement’s Stance: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning Hamas’ violence but also reminded Israel of its obligation to adhere to international humanitarian law and expressed its consistent position on the Palestine issue.

How has India interacted with Israel and Palestine in the past?

Establishing Diplomatic Ties: India formed full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, but has also continuously supported the Palestinian cause.

Historical Visits and Interactions: In 2017, Prime Minister Modi visited Israel, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, and in 2018, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited India. Additionally, Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Palestine.

Taking a Stand in International Decisions: In 2017, India voted against the U.S. and Israel’s attempt to unilaterally declare Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, showcasing its balanced diplomatic stance.

What challenges does India face now?

Navigating Diplomatic Tensions: India has the difficult task of managing diplomatic relationships, showing solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack while upholding its continuous support for the Palestinian cause.

Humanitarian and Legal Advocacy: The call from Israel for a mass evacuation of over a million residents from Gaza, coupled with its aggressive response to Hamas, positions India in a delicate situation of endorsing the importance of international humanitarian law amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.

Safeguarding Indian Citizens: Ensuring the safety and organized evacuation of 18,000 Indians in Israel amidst the conflict and the ongoing aggressive encounters between Israel and Hamas presents logistical and diplomatic hurdles.