India's position as a home for Palestinians has evolved over time, reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics and India's commitment to principles such as anti-colonialism, self-determination, and support for the Palestinian cause. Here's a brief history of India's stance:
Pre-Independence Era: During India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi expressed solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, including the Palestinians. They saw similarities between India's fight for freedom and the Palestinian struggle against British and Zionist colonization.
Partition and Creation of Israel (1947-1948): India was one of the countries that voted against the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947, which led to the establishment of Israel. India's opposition was rooted in its support for the Palestinian Arab majority and concern for their rights.
Recognition of Israel (1950s-1992): After gaining independence in 1947, India did not immediately recognize Israel as a state. However, in 1950, India established de facto relations with Israel, mainly focused on economic and technological cooperation. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
Palestinian Solidarity: Despite establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, India maintained its support for the Palestinian cause. India consistently voiced support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and has been a significant contributor to Palestinian development projects.
1996 Visit by Yasser Arafat: In 1996, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat made an official visit to India, signaling India's strong diplomatic ties with the Palestinian leadership. During this visit, India reiterated its support for Palestinian statehood.
Two-State Solution: India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with secure and recognized borders for both Israel and Palestine. It has urged negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues, including borders, refugees, and Jerusalem.
Recent Developments: India's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue continues to evolve. It maintains relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, reflecting a nuanced approach to the conflict. India supports peaceful dialogue and has called for an end to violence in the region.
In summary, India's position on the Israeli-Palestinian issue has been rooted in its historical commitment to anti-colonialism and self-determination.
It has balanced its diplomatic relations with Israel while expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This nuanced approach reflects India's commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.
India has reaffirmed its support for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, emphasizing its long-standing and consistent policy in this regard.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India is in close contact with relevant stakeholders amid the escalating situation. Operation Ajay, India's mission to evacuate its citizens from Israel, has commenced with an Air India flight sent to bring back 230 Indians.
There are currently around 18,000 Indians in Israel, including some in conflict-affected areas. The MEA urged Indian nationals in Israel to register with the Embassy, and it affirmed India's commitment to humanitarian principles while condemning terrorism.
#SRIRAMs Perspective India's foreign policy, as detailed in SRIRAM's "India and the World," underscores its commitment to multilateral diplomacy, strong bilateral relations, and addressing global challenges while maintaining a "Neighborhood First" approach.
