Discuss the realistic foreign policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel and the Arab world. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
Amid the turmoil of the Middle East, India has conventionally adhered to a policy of equivalence in dealing with Israel and neighboring Arab countries. Israel is a major defense and strategic partner for India while Arab state are leading trade partners, mainly fulfilling India’s energy needs and serving as a destination for India’s food exports. To maintain a friendly relationship with both sides, India prefers to avoid the Arab-Israeli conflict and advocates a dialogue-driven, peaceful, two-state solution.
- Shift in India''s Policy:
- Establishment of Diplomatic Relations:In 1992, India established full diplomatic relations with Israel, marking a significant shift. Despite this, India continued to voice support for the Palestinian cause.
- It was only after the end of the Cold War that Prime Minister Narasimha Rao took the bold step of establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, irrespective of potential falloutwith the Arab nations.
- Balance in National Interest:India''s diplomatic decisions are guided by national interest, necessitating a balance between maintaining strong relations with Israel, supporting Palestine, and developing ties with the Arab world.
Current Policy and Diplomatic Nuances
- Relations with Israel as a National Interest:
- India''s relations with Israel have strengthened considerably in recent years, encompassingvarious sectors like trade, technology, defense, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
- India''s support for Israel is seen as a response to its fight against cross-border terrorism, although the situations in Israel and India differ significantly.
- Stands With Palestne’s Cause:
- Besides growing relations with Israel, India has reiterated its stand for Palestine''s cause.
- Amid the ongoing tensions, USD 29.53 million has been contributed by India to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees.
- India also sent nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine.
- India Balancing its Stance:
- In 2017, the Indian Prime Minister for the first time visited Israel and in 2018 he made an official visit to Palestine for the first time.
- In 2017, India voted against the U.S. and Israel for an attempt to declare unilaterally all of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
- India''s policy is clear, they condemnterrorism but do not support indiscriminate reprisal bombings.
- India''s Official Stand:
- India''s official position on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains unchanged, advocating for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine as good neighbors.
- It was only after the mediation of the US, in the 1991 Madrid Peace conferencea two-state solution was agreed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- This is evidenced by the Indian Prime Minister''s visit toRamallah in the West Bank in 2018.
The India-Israel-Arab world in its current form offers a definitive example of a blend between Realism and Constructivism approaches in International Relations.
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