Why in News: Several countries, including France, UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia, recently recognised Palestinian statehood. India, despite its historic support and early recognition in 1988, has adopted a muted stance during the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict.
Background
- 150+ UN members, including France, UK, Canada, Portugal, Australia, now recognise Palestine.
- India recognised Palestinian statehood in 1988 after long support to the PLO.
India’s Historical Role
- Raised Apartheid South Africa in UN pre-Independence.
- Supported Algerian independence (1954–62) and opposed Vietnam war brutality.
- 1971: Acted against genocide, aided Bangladesh liberation.
- Recognised PLO (1974); consistent support for two-state solution.
- Extended aid, scholarships, and peacekeeping forces in line with Art. 51 DPSP.
India’s Current Stand
- Since Oct 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel’s response: muted diplomacy.
- 55,000+ Palestinians, including 17,000 children, killed; Gaza in famine-like crisis.
- India silent; instead signed bilateral investment deal with Israel and hosted its far-right minister.
- Seen as personalised diplomacy overshadowing constitutional values.
Concerns
1. Weakens India’s moral authority and leadership legacy.
2. Perceived as silence = complicity in humanitarian crisis.
3. Risks alienating Arab partners crucial for energy and diaspora.
4. Strategic imbalance in West Asia policy.
5. Contradicts India’s freedom struggle ethos and constitutional ideals.
Way Forward
1. Reassert two-state solution as core diplomatic stance.
2. Provide humanitarian relief and aid to Palestine.
3. Balance ties with Israel while ensuring ethical diplomacy.
4. Use forums like UN, NAM, OIC to push for peace.
5. Anchor foreign policy in constitutional values, empathy, and civilisational ethos.
UPSC Relevance
GS-II:
- India’s foreign policy and its neighbourhood.
- India and West Asia relations.
Mains Practice Question
Q. India was among the earliest to recognise Palestinian statehood, yet its present stance on the Israel–Palestine conflict is viewed as muted. Critically analyse India’s approach in balancing its historical values and strategic interests in West Asia. (10 marks, 150 words)