Introduction
Israel and Hamas have accepted the first phase of a US-backed ceasefire framework. Key actors—the PA, EU, and major Arab states—offer cautious support; Israel’s approval is reluctant, and Hamas questions disarmament. India welcomes the development and calls for a role in reconstruction India’s choices now hinge on balancing its principles—Palestinian sovereignty and humanitarian protection—with practical cooperation that can stabilise Gaza and safeguard its own interests. AI for Inclusive Societal Development.
International Responses
- Support with conditions: The Palestinian Authority (PA), the European Union (EU), and Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have offered cautious backing. Their main concern is the absence of a clear timeline for Israeli withdrawal, which affects sequencing and trust.
- Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers reluctant support. He accepts the plan’s first phase but faces resistance from right-wing partners who reject any Palestinian role in governance. This internal divide may slow decisions.
- Hamas: Hamas signals willingness to engage in talks. It objects to the disarmament requirement. This reservation could challenge the demilitarisation track and the pace of implementation.
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes the first-phase deal. He urges immediate, full implementation and the removal of all limits on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.
India’s Position
- India’s stance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the development “decisive progress” and a “significant step forward.” He speaks with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, welcoming hostage releases and humanitarian relief.
- Since Oct 7, India has balanced condemnation of terrorism with support for Palestinian rights, consistent with its long-standing two-state, sovereignty-plus-security stance.
India Could Play a Bigger Role Now
- Regional stakes : India’s criticism after the Doha strike reflects changing international opinion and GCC concerns. With expanding links under the Abraham Accords and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), economic interdependence strengthens the incentive to coordinate with GCC partners.
- Diplomatic space : There is precedent for active Indian involvement. China’s critical stance on the plan creates a contrast that can widen space for constructive Indian participation, provided India stays aligned with its core principles.
- Role in reconstruction: India’s envoy to Israel suggests Indian participation in reconstruction, citing infrastructural expertise and ties with both Israel and the PA.
- Practical steps: India can support hostage–detainee exchanges, push sustained humanitarian access, and pursue targeted investmentsthat stabilise services. Coordination with the PA, EU, and key Arab states—Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—can keep actions aligned and transparent.
India’s stakes
- Diaspora: Nearly 90 lakh Indians live in the Middle East; stability safeguards communities, including 18,000 in Israel and up to 10,000 in Iran.
- Energy: India relies heavily on Middle Eastern crude; reduced tensions can stabilise prices.
- Connectivity and investment: Peace can encourage Arab investment and create space for projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
- Concern: Pakistan’s visible role in the process is a strategic concern for New Delhi.
India’s Historical Engagement
- Consistent diplomatic roles
- In 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru pushed for India’s place on UNSCOP, backing a single federal state with Arab and Jewish provinces.
- India recognised Israel in 1950, yet sustained solidarity with Palestine, including UNRWA support since 1951.
- India recognised the State of Palestine in 1988, among the first non-Arab states to do so.
- Peacekeeping and process participation
- India contributed major contingents to UNEF I and UNEF II, patrolling the Egypt–Israel Sinai and taking casualties in May 1967.
- After establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992 (to avoid exclusion from a widening peace process), India attended donor conferences and UN forums on Palestinian rights and provided developmental aid and technical training to the PA alongside strategic ties with Israel.
Conclusion
India has stakes in Gaza’s peace because security, economic interdependence with the GCC, and historic commitments converge. A careful, principle-first, reconstruction-focused role—aligned with humanitarian law, Palestinian sovereignty, and mutual security—can add value. Clarity on timelines and governance arrangements is essential. With these safeguards, India can help stabilise Gaza, support reconciliation, and protect its regional interests without worsening local labour dynamics or political fault lines.
For detailed information on The course ahead for Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan read this article here
Question for practice:
Discuss why India has stakes in Gaza’s peace and how it could play a constructive role under the proposed ceasefire plan.
Source: Indian Express
