India's Palestine Policy: From Solidarity to Strategic Silence
Introduction
India's foreign policy toward Palestine has evolved significantly over the decades, shaped by its historical context, ideological commitments, and pragmatic geopolitical considerations. From being a vocal supporter of Palestinian self-determination during the mid-20th century to adopting a more nuanced and strategically balanced approach in recent years, India's stance reflects a delicate interplay of solidarity, national interest, and global diplomacy. This blog explores the trajectory of India's Palestine policy, examining the shift from outspoken solidarity to a more restrained, strategic silence.
Historical Solidarity with Palestine
Post-Independence Support
India’s engagement with the Palestinian cause began in the context of its own struggle for independence from colonial rule. Post-1947, India, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, aligned itself with anti-colonial and non-aligned movements. The Palestinian struggle was seen as parallel to India’s own fight against imperialism, fostering a natural affinity.
- 1947 UN Vote: India was one of the few nations to oppose the UN Partition Plan for Palestine (Resolution 181), reflecting its solidarity with Arab nations and its rejection of solutions imposed by external powers.
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): As a founding member of NAM in the 1950s, India consistently supported Palestinian self-determination, advocating for their rights at international forums like the United Nations.
- Recognition of PLO: India was among the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974 and allowed it to establish an office in New Delhi in 1980. In 1988, India recognized the State of Palestine, reinforcing its commitment to the cause.
This period was marked by India’s vocal support for Palestine, driven by its anti-colonial ethos and alignment with the Global South.
The Shift in the 1990s: Balancing Relations
The end of the Cold War and India’s economic liberalization in 1991 marked a turning point in its foreign policy, including its approach to the Middle East. The establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 was a pivotal moment that introduced a balancing act in India’s Palestine policy.
- Engagement with Israel: India’s growing ties with Israel, driven by defense cooperation, technology exchanges, and counterterrorism efforts, necessitated a more pragmatic approach. Israel emerged as a key partner, particularly in areas like military hardware and intelligence sharing.
- Continued Support for Palestine: Despite warming ties with Israel, India maintained its support for the Palestinian cause, endorsing the two-state solution and providing humanitarian aid. For instance, India contributed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and supported Palestinian institution-building through capacity-building programs.
This period saw India navigating a delicate balance, maintaining its historical commitment to Palestine while fostering strategic ties with Israel.
The Era of Strategic Silence
In recent years, particularly under the Narendra Modi government since 2014, India’s Palestine policy has been characterized by what some analysts describe as “strategic silence.” This shift reflects India’s broader foreign policy objectives, including its ambition to play a larger role in global affairs and strengthen ties with major powers.
Key Features of Strategic Silence
De-Hyphenation Policy: India has pursued a policy of de-hyphenating its relationships with Israel and Palestine. This approach allows India to deepen ties with Israel without overtly undermining its support for Palestine. For example, Prime Minister Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel—the first by an Indian prime minister—was carefully balanced by a subsequent visit to Palestine in 2018, signaling continuity in India’s support.
Reduced Vocal Advocacy: Unlike its earlier outspoken advocacy, India now adopts a more restrained tone at international forums. While it continues to vote in favor of Palestinian rights at the UN, its statements are less confrontational, focusing on diplomacy and dialogue rather than ideological rhetoric.
Economic and Strategic Priorities: India’s growing economic and strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have influenced its approach. These nations, while historically supportive of Palestine, have themselves adopted more pragmatic stances, encouraging India to align with regional trends.
Domestic Considerations: India’s domestic political landscape, particularly the rise of Hindu nationalism, has also shaped its foreign policy. The Modi government’s emphasis on strong ties with Israel resonates with certain domestic constituencies, while support for Palestine remains a nod to India’s Muslim population and its secular traditions.
Examples of Strategic Silence
- G Gaza Conflicts: During recent Gaza conflicts, India has expressed concern over violence and called for restraint from both sides, avoiding explicit condemnation of either Israel or Palestine. This neutral stance contrasts with its earlier unequivocal support for Palestinian statehood.
- Abraham Accords: India welcomed the Abraham Accords (2020), which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, without directly addressing their implications for the Palestinian cause. This reflects India’s prioritization of regional stability and economic opportunities over ideological positions.
Why the Shift?
Several factors explain India’s transition from solidarity to strategic silence:
- Geopolitical Pragmatism: As India seeks to establish itself as a global power, it prioritizes strategic partnerships over ideological commitments. Strong ties with Israel and Gulf nations serve India’s defense, energy, and economic interests.
- Global Power Dynamics: The decline of the Palestinian issue’s centrality in global politics, coupled with the normalization of Israel’s ties with Arab states, has reduced the pressure on India to take a vocal stance.
- Domestic Growth Priorities: India’s focus on economic growth and technological advancement has led to deeper engagement with Israel, a leader in innovation and defense technology.
- Regional Stability: India’s growing influence in the Middle East requires maintaining balanced relations with all stakeholders, including Israel, Palestine, and Arab states.
Implications of India’s Policy
India’s strategic silence has both opportunities and challenges:
Opportunities:
- Strengthened ties with Israel have bolstered India’s defense capabilities and technological innovation.
- Improved relations with Gulf states have secured energy supplies and investment opportunities.
- India’s balanced approach enhances its credibility as a mediator in regional conflicts.
Challenges:
- The shift risks alienating segments of India’s domestic population and its traditional allies in the Global South, who expect stronger support for Palestine.
- India’s silence may be perceived as a dilution of its moral stance on anti-colonialism and self-determination.
Conclusion
India’s Palestine policy has evolved from one of passionate solidarity to a more calculated, strategic silence, reflecting the complexities of its modern foreign policy. While India continues to support the Palestinian cause through diplomatic recognition and humanitarian aid, its growing ties with Israel and Gulf nations have necessitated a more pragmatic approach. This balancing act underscores India’s ambition to navigate a multipolar world while safeguarding its national interests. As global dynamics continue to shift, India’s Palestine policy will likely remain a delicate dance between principle and pragmatism.
