15 Nov India’s Position on Israel-Palestine Conflict
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “India’s Position on Israel-Palestine Conflict”. This topic has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
Israel and Palestine Map Based
For Mains:
GS2: International Relations
Why in the news?
India recently supported a resolution at the UN General Assembly that denounces Israeli settlement activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
About the Resolution on Israeli settlement
- The UN General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) approved a resolution titled ‘Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan’ through a recorded vote. The vote results were 145 in favor, seven against, and 18 abstentions.
- The resolution explicitly states that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are considered illegal and are identified as impediments to peace, as well as obstacles to economic and social development.
- Moreover, the resolution reiterates the demand for the immediate and complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities throughout the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- India, alongside nations such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the U.K., was one of the 145 nations that voted in favour of the resolution.
Evolution of India’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
- Historical Stance
- India’s solidarity with the Palestinian people traces back to its freedom struggle against British colonialism.
- Notably, in 1938, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the proposal for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- In 1947, India voted against the partition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, and post-independence, support for Palestine became a fundamental aspect of India’s foreign policy.
- Recognition of Palestine
- In 1974, India became the first non-Arab nation to acknowledge the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the exclusive representative of the Palestinian people.
- In 1988, India took a significant step by being one of the first countries to recognise the state of Palestine.
- Following the creation of the Palestine Authority through the Oslo Peace Accord, India established a Representative Office, initially in Gaza and later relocated to Ramallah in 2003.
- Support at International Forums
- India has consistently played a proactive role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause at multilateral forums.
- The country has been steadfast in voting in favour of numerous UN resolutions supporting Palestine.
Recent Developments
- Shift in Stance
- In 2017, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, while in 2018, Israeli PM Netanyahu visited India.
- Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has demonstrated a more pronounced pro-Israel stance.
- This shift is evident in the public camaraderie between the prime ministers of India and Israel.
- However, despite this change, India’s official position advocating for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine as good neighbours, remains unwavering.
- Commitment to a Two-State Solution
- India continues to adhere to its traditional belief in the two-state solution and supports establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine.
- Despite the deepening relationship with Israel in recent years, India’s support for Palestine has not waned.
Way Forward for India
- Diplomatic Continuity: India should persist in diplomatic efforts, utilising its international influence to encourage both Israel and Palestine to return to the negotiating table.
- Humanitarian Assistance: India must continue providing crucial humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs in conflict-affected areas, thereby alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
- Mediation Role: As a mediator, India can facilitate meaningful dialogues that lead to a lasting resolution, emphasising its commitment to justice and peace in the region.
- People-to-People Engagement: India can foster dialogues and exchanges between Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups, academics, and youth. This initiative aims to promote mutual understanding and trust through people-to-people interactions.
In conclusion, as India moves forward, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and justice in the region. India can actively contribute to the ongoing pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 15th Nov 2023
Q1. With reference to Palestine, consider the following statements:
- India was the first non-Arab nation to acknowledge the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the exclusive representative of the Palestinian people.
- Mahatma Gandhi supported the proposal for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- India supports establishing a sovereign state of Palestine.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None
Q2. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (PYQ Civil Services Exam 2018 )
(a) China
(b) Israel
(c) Iraq
(d) Yemen
Q3. Examine India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, considering its recent support for a UN resolution denouncing Israeli settlement activities.
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