India’s foreign policy has been noted for its positioning as a potential mediator in international conflicts. On the other hand, the country’s actions in relation to the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine crises show a more nuanced reality. India has presented itself as a mediator, but its participation in various conflicts—especially in Gaza—indicates a different story.
India’s aggressive support for Israel against Palestine is demonstrated by the June 2024 transport of 27 tons of deadly weapons from Chennai to Israel. The fact that this package contained explosives, drones, and a variety of armaments shows how much India aids Israel militarily. Important decisions have been made regarding the shipment’s contents and timing, which place India more in line with Israeli military goals.
India and Israel’s relationship is not a relatively new one. It has changed dramatically throughout the years and stretches back several decades. In 2018, Elbit Systems of Israel and Adani Group of India formed a cooperation that marked a significant turning point in their relationship. The goal of this partnership was to produce Hermes 900 drones in South India. Israel has been using these drones in its continuing operations in Gaza, strengthening the military ties between the two countries.
It is evident that many Indian citizens support Israel. This attitude is expressed in a number of ways, such as India’s decision to permit Israeli businesses to employ 100,000 Indians. In the wake of the October 2023 assaults, 90,000 Palestinians had their employment licenses withdrawn; these individuals were replaced. Such acts show a wider support for Israeli tactics and objectives, frequently at the expense of Palestinian interests.
There are moral and ethical concerns over India’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war, especially in light of the alleged genocide of innocent Palestinians. Opponents contend that India actively participates in the mistreatment of Palestinians as part of its backing for Israel, which goes beyond simple diplomatic or economic collaboration. This partnership is clearly seen in the fields of intelligence and arms development, where India and Israel have a long history of working together.
India has purchased $2.9 billion worth of military hardware from Israel over the last ten years. Combat drones, missiles, radars, and surveillance systems are among the weapons in this arsenal; many of these are stationed in Occupied Kashmir. There are obvious similarities between the circumstances in Gaza and Kashmir, where there has been a great deal of military aggression and violations of human rights. Many have criticized India for using Israeli weapons in Kashmir, bringing attention to the ethical implications of such military alliances.
The strategic alliance between India and Israel is driven by mutual interests and shared objectives where Muslims of Kashmir and Palestine emerge as victims. Both Israel and India have benefited from their alliance, with Israel obtaining a trustworthy friend in the Global South and BRICS while India has access to cutting-edge military technology.
India’s backing of Israel has important geopolitical ramifications, especially in the unstable Middle East. India’s support of Israel runs the risk of souring relations with other regional actors, such as Turkey, Iran, and a number of Gulf governments that firmly back Palestine. Maintaining India’s strategic objectives requires careful maneuvering through this intricate web of alliances and enmities. The human cost of India’s military backing for Israel is further highlighted by Al Jazeera’s report on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the devastation caused by Israeli attacks. This undermines India’s reputation as a possible peacemaker and brings attention to its foreign policy decisions on a global scale.
The humanitarian aspect of the Israel-Hamas conflict cannot be overlooked. There have been numerous fatalities and large-scale civilian displacement as a result of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza. India’s involvement in providing Israel with military hardware raises concerns about the country’s adherence to international law and humanitarian ideals. Supporting a nation that is alleged to have committed crimes against civilians raises serious ethical issues that should be carefully considered.
The aspirations of India to become a global power are evident in its foreign policy, which is marked by strategic relationships and geopolitical maneuvering. The intricacies and ethical quandaries that come with such goals are exemplified by the backing of Israel in its struggle with Palestine.
India and Israel’s connection is expected to persist due to shared interests and worldwide geopolitical movements. Nonetheless, this partnership’s ethical ramifications will continue to be concerning at national and worldwide levels. India’s involvement in conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war will be closely examined and subject to discussion as it continues to manage its place on the international scene.
India is trying to project a picture of itself as a potential peacemaker, but its actions suggest that it is more deeply involved in the war, casting doubt on its commitment to humanitarianism and peace. The moral and ethical implications of India’s activities will continue to be a crucial part of its global narrative as it navigates these issues. The world especially Muslim bloc needs to take a critical view of this alliance where India and Israel are seriously hurting Muslims with impunity.
