Understanding India’s strategic silence on Gaza
India’s measured response to the ongoing Gaza conflict marks a notable shift from New Delhi’s traditional foreign policy. Once a vocal proponent of the Palestinian cause, India is now exhibiting restraint, balancing long-standing support for Palestine with pragmatic new alliances and interests in Middle East, or West Asia as it is called in India.
Historically, India backed a two-state solution and regularly supported United Nations resolutions in favour of Palestinian rights. However, since the escalation of the conflict following the brutal massacre of Israeli civilians by Gaza-based terror outfit Hamas in October 2023, India’s statements have centred on humanitarian concerns and the need for peace. There has been a notable absence of direct criticism toward Israel’s military actions. India has abstained on several key UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire, though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has on many occasions stressed the need for peace.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar clarified that India’s position is to support the Palestinian cause while strengthening ties with Israel.
Strategic considerations underpin this strategic shift in India’s diplomacy. India’s security partnership with Israel has strengthened considerably in recent years, with Israel ranking among India’s top defence suppliers. Meanwhile, India has been careful to keep up its economic relations with Arab states. Millions if Indians live and work in the Gulf, and the region supplies the bulk of India’s oil needs.
Domestically, the political discourse is less about ideology and more about safeguarding interests. The Modi government stresses humanitarian relief and the welfare of citizens abroad over the ideological rhetoric of past decades.
On the world stage, India’s cautious posture has reassured partners in Israel and the West while preserving its long-standing economic and strategic links with Gulf nations. However, this position has attracted criticism from sections of the Global South that include strong Israel critics such as South Africa, who claim India’s abstentions at key UN votes were in fact a vote against Palestinian rights and broader international justice.
Dr Jaishankar addressed these criticisms, saying India doesn’t blindly sign resolutions but look at the big picture and take a call. In a Parliament speech, he said one of the reasons India didn’t vote was because the resolutions were not balanced and the language was not right.
“We condemn terrorism, we condemn hostage-taking. We do believe countries have the right to respond to the situation but countries should be mindful of civilian casualties. They must observe humanitarian law and we would like a ceasefire and an early end of violence,” he said, clarifying India’s stand.
Such clarity in foreign policy thinking is making analysts sit up and take notice. By focusing on pragmatism and its own national interest, India is positioning itself as an independent force in world affairs, capable of engaging with all sides even as geopolitical tensions rise.
India’s approach to the Gaza conflict reflects more than just a reaction to current events; it signals a broader recalibration in how the country pursues its international ambitions.