A minor
embroilment kicked in across Gaza with kidnapping and murdering of the three
Israeli teenagers by Hamas militants. It spiralled into a conflict resulting in
unabated firing across the Gaza strip. Operation Protective Edge was launched
by Israel on July 8th in retaliation. So far 216 innocent civilians
have succumbed and more than 1600 are wounded. UN estimates that nearly 1570
homes were destroyed and more than 18,000 displaced. Life in Gaza has come to a
standstill. Egypt, the head of the Arab League, initiated cease-fire proposal. Israel
accepted the peace truce offered by Egypt and promised to demilitarise Gaza
strip from rocket attacks. But Hamas, Palestine militants refused the peace
truce. They reasoned that the proposal was not discussed with them and felt
that it suited Israel more. Thus, the unprecedented rocket attacks across Gaza
have resumed again. Israel has now mobilised thousands of troops to Gaza strip
amid speculation of ground invasion. Several countries have strongly condemned
the Israeli offensive and civil rights groups expressed strong protests over
the killing of innocent civilians.
Amidst
raging West Asian controversies NDA led government intends to tread cautiously
on the simmering Arab- Israel conflict. On July 10th MEA has issued
a statement expressing deep concern over “the steep escalation of violence
between Israel and Palestine with heavy air strikes in Gaza strip that resulted
in tragic loss of civilian lives and damage to the property”. India’s
even-handed approach evoked a sense of disappointment among both the warring
parties. While the Israelis anticipated India to take a firm stance between an
aggressor and defender, Palestinians believed that India would strongly condemn
the rocket attacks of its nuclear power rival. Meanwhile, as Gaza bleeds series
of protests rock the Kashmir Valley and normal life has been hit by bands.
After
independence India harboured a non-aligned, pro-Arab approach and consistently
supported the cause of Palestine self determination in the state of Israel
since 1948. India intended to boost its relationship with Muslim countries post
partition and maintained friendly relationship with Palestine. It even
recognised the Palestine statehood declaration in 1988. Even after 60 years,
the rivalry between Israel and Palestine failed to seize and still lock horns
over the issue of self-determination. India refrained from engaging with Israel
for the fear of worsening relationships with other traditionally friendly Arab
nations. Also, Pakistan would leave no stone unturned to mislead Arab
conglomeration.
But India’s
pro- Arab approach received a major jolt when Pakistan blocked India from
joining the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). India made a strategic
change in its diplomatic policy and beefed up its relationships with Israel in
1992. India- Israel’s friendship received a new lease for life during the
regime of P.V. Narasimha Rao who deftly managed to have defence ties closed doors.
Later the NDA government sealed several defence deals with Israel. India’s best
ally in the West Asia now is Israel and with its third largest reserves of
shale gas, it is set to become oil independent too.
Israel is
largest weapons supplier to India after Russia with business worth USD 9
billion. It has supplied long range radar for the anti-ballistic missile
defence system and Air –borne Early Control Warning Systems (AWACS) aircraft. In
the wake of growing tensions within the South Asian region India has to upgrade
its bunkers and enhance the battle readiness of the troops. Now both countries
have economic, military and strategic relationships. Together they are
negotiating on extensive bilateral free trade pact and focus areas are
information technology, biotechnology and agriculture. India can barely ignore
the keenness of Israeli government to rejuvenate friendly relationship as India
can immensely benefit from the highly advanced military technology and
hardware. India’s PSLV-C 25 has recently hoisted one of its satellites too.
Modi
government is doing a balancing act and thwarted the attempts of opposition to
pass a resolution. The on going crisis in Gaza strip was first raised by the PDP
leader Mehabooba Mufti in Lok Sabha but government was reluctant to make any
comments. Yesterday Rajya Sabha was adjourned following the persistent uproar
of the opposition to roll out a resolution condemning Israeli offensive.
Government didn’t succumb to appeals of the opposition, thwarting all attempts
of non-NDA parties to appease the minorities. Further, the discussion were
scrubbed reiterating that still 39
Indians are under captivity in Iraq and any discourteous statement might
endanger their lives. It is widely known that NDA always comprehended Israeli
battle for their motherland. Just like India, Israel is enveloped by
belligerent countries on all sides and having been a victim of jihadi attacks
inspired by Pakistan, India would fully sympathise Israel.
Considering
India’s national and geopolitical interests into account, it is compelled to
hold onto an even-handed diplomatic approach. Firstly, India is oil dependent country and
relies largely on the Arab countries for its burgeoning energy needs. Any
deviation in current foreign policy towards the Arab world would have a drastic
effect on the oil supplies. Secondly, a vast majority of Indian Diaspora are
working in the Gulf countries which account to 49% of the remittances. Thirdly,
India is home to third largest population of Muslims and a disgruntled minority
can be a grave internal threat. Arab
leaders are despotic rulers and would never support India on Kashmir issue
still India as to maintain friendly relationship in view of regional security
and posterity. Before bringing in any changes in the foreign policy towards
West Arab World, India has to strategize to become more self reliant to meet
its energy requirements. Till then, India has to inevitably maintain a balanced
approach. Allying with the most scientifically advanced and technologically
sound country like Israel, India can leap ahead to newer pastures of
advancement. But a rational diplomatic stance could offer succour to an
oil-dependent country like India.
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