Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- India’s recent condemnation of Israel’s bombing in Doha is a shift from its more muted positions on previous Israeli operations in other countries.
About
- Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombed a home in Doha, Qatar, where Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting in the U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan.
- Israel PM Netanyahu claimed the strike was “justified,” accusing Qatar of “harbouring and funding” Hamas operatives.
- India condemned the violation of the sovereignty of Qatar.
- The statements are in stark contrast to India’s reactions to Israel’s bombings of several other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Syria, and Iran.
Reasons for India’s Stand
- Energy Security: Qatar is a crucial LNG supplier for India having long-term contracts.
- Any escalation in Doha directly threatens India’s energy stability.
- Large Diaspora: Over 8 lakh Indians live in Qatar, contributing heavily in remittances.
- Security of diaspora communities is always a priority in India’s Gulf policy.
- Strategic Balancing: India has strong defence and tech ties with Israel, but also deep economic and cultural ties with Arab Gulf states.
- The statement avoids direct condemnation of Israel, but signals displeasure at destabilising actions.
- Geopolitical Calculations: The U.S. is seen as reducing its security role in the Gulf.
- India needs to maintain goodwill with GCC countries that are exploring joint defence mechanisms.
- Consistency with Multilateral Stance: India recently supported the two-state solution for Palestine at UNGA and its stance is in line with that.
Implications of India’s Stand
- Strengthens Ties with Qatar & GCC: Signals to Gulf states that India values their security concerns.
- It will protect energy contracts, trade, and diaspora interests.
- Maintains Israel Ties: India avoided direct condemnation, but also conveyed that indiscriminate military actions are unacceptable.
- Boosts India’s Image as a Responsible Power: By calling the strike a threat to “peace and stability,” India projects itself as a balanced, peace-oriented actor in West Asia.
- This enhances India’s credibility in forums like Arab League, OIC, and UNGA.
- Strategic Autonomy in Action: Shows India is not blindly siding with Israel or the U.S. narrative.
- It reinforces India’s approach of multi-alignment in a multipolar West Asia.
Implications for India’s West Asia Policy
- Balancing Israel and the Arab World: India’s close ties with Israel now face tensions with the Arab bloc, silence on Gaza, despite massive civilian casualties, is eroding goodwill.
- India’s eventual vote in favour of the two-state solution at UNGA shows that it must balance ties with Israel while keeping Arab sensitivities in mind.
- Energy Security and Diaspora Concerns: Energy diversification and diaspora safety will continue to be drivers of India’s West Asia approach.
- Regional Multilateralism and India’s Engagement: Arab League–OIC condemnation and GCC’s defence talks show that Arab solidarity is resurging.
- India, which has deep economic stakes across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, cannot appear indifferent to regional concerns.
- India may need to step up its participation in platforms like the India–GCC FTA negotiations, and expand strategic dialogues beyond bilateral ties.
Way Ahead
- Future escalations may put India in tougher spots, as both Israel and Arab partners will expect support.
- The current situation highlights the limits of transactional diplomacy—India must balance values with interests.
Source: TH
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