Contrary to general perception, there is no change in India’s stand on Palestine

There has been considerable speculation in media and elsewhere that India has amended its long-standing policy of supporting the Palestinian cause. After the Hamas attacked Israel last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to show solidarity with Israel, saying India stands with the nation in its hour of grief. The statement was misconstrued by many as India’s shifting stand on Israel, given India’s proximity with Israel and a right-of-centre BJP Government in New Delhi. However, the analysts had jumped the gun. India has always supported the Palestinian people and the just cause of Palestinians to have a homeland free from any interference from outside forces (read Israel). But it has always rejected terrorism and the use of force on either side, advocating for a negotiated settlement. India’s support for the Palestinian cause has been consistent. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab State to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India recognised the State of Palestine. Way back in 1996, India opened its Representative Office in Palestine in Gaza City. India has always extended support to the Palestinian cause across various international forums. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on “the right of Palestinians to self-determination” and voted in favour of it during the 53rd session of the UNGA. India also voted in favour of the UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the Separation Wall by Israel.

But Hamas and Palestine are not synonyms, like LTTE and Tamilians in Sri Lanka were not the same. When the Prime Minister made the statement, he did not endorse the Hamas brutal actions. To clear the confusion, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its call for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian State, saying there was an “obligation” to uphold humanitarian principles which is in line with India's long stand on the issue. “India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side at peace with Israel,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. However, he fell short of calling Hamas a terrorist organisation. Four previous conflicts between the sides ended with the Hamas still firmly in control of the territory it has ruled since 2007. Meanwhile, India has launched ‘Operation Ajay' to rescue its citizens from Israel, and evacuation flights have started landing here. So far, there have reportedly been no Indian casualty. India is in close contact with “relevant stakeholders” on the fast unfolding situation. India's stand has so far been consistent but the situation is quite fluid. If something drastic happens, India might have to recalibrate its West Asia policy.