The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine has raised concerns for the stability and security of the Middle East region and the world at large. The conflict, which has been going on for decades, has reached a new level of intensity after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, firing over 5000 rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltrating Israeli territory with gunmen and vehicles. Israel, which has declared a state of war, has retaliated with airstrikes and ground operations targeting Hamas infrastructure and operatives in Gaza. The death toll has risen to over 500, with thousands more injured and displaced.
As a major regional power and a strategic partner of Israel, India has been closely following the developments in the Middle East. India has expressed its solidarity with Israel and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India stands with Israel at this difficult hour and offered his thoughts and prayers for the innocent victims and their families. He also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him of India's support for Israel's right to defend itself against the aggression.
India has been a recipient of Israel's help in the past, especially during the Kargil war in 1999, when Israel provided India with mortar, ammunition, laser-guided missiles and surveillance drones that helped India counter the Pakistani incursion. India and Israel have also cooperated in various fields such as agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, defence, space, innovation and education. The bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $5.3 billion in 2020-21.
However, India also has historical and cultural ties with Palestine and supports its cause for a sovereign state based on the two-state solution. India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine as a state in 1988. India has also provided humanitarian and developmental assistance to Palestine, including scholarships, training programs, infrastructure projects and budgetary support. India has also maintained cordial relations with other Arab countries, which are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and have condemned Israel's actions.
Therefore, India faces a delicate balancing act in its diplomacy in the Middle East, as it tries to maintain its friendship with both Israel and Palestine, as well as other Arab states. India has called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute between Israel and Palestine through dialogue and negotiations. India has also urged all parties to respect international law and human rights and avoid any actions that could escalate the situation further.
The war between Israel and Palestine could have serious implications for India's interests and security in the region and beyond. Some of the possible impacts are:
Economic impact: The war could disrupt the trade and investment flows between India and Israel, as well as other Middle Eastern countries. The war could also affect the global oil prices, which could increase inflation and affect India's energy security. The war could also hamper the tourism industry, as many Indians visit Israel and other Middle Eastern countries for pilgrimage, business or leisure.
Defence impact: The war could affect India's defence procurement from Israel, which is one of India's top suppliers of military equipment and technology. The war could also expose the vulnerabilities of India's defence systems, as Hamas has demonstrated its ability to launch rockets at long distances and evade Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The war could also inspire other terrorist groups to target India or its interests abroad.
Diplomatic impact: The war could strain India's relations with some of its allies and partners in the region and beyond, who may have different views or interests on the issue. The war could also test India's role as a responsible global actor and a potential mediator in the conflict. The war could also affect India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, as it may face opposition from some countries who may question India's stance on the issue.
Societal impact: The war could polarize the Indian society along religious lines, as some sections may express their support or opposition to either side based on their faith or ideology. The war could also trigger communal violence or hate crimes against some communities in India who may be perceived as having links or sympathies with either side. The war could also affect the safety and well-being of Indians living or working in Israel or other Middle Eastern countries.
In conclusion, the war between Israel and Palestine is a complex and sensitive issue that affects not only the two parties involved but also many other countries in the region and around the world, including India. India has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, as it affects its economic, defence, diplomatic and societal interests. Therefore, India should continue to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among all parties involved and work towards achieving a lasting solution to the conflict that respects the aspirations and rights of both Israel and Palestine.
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