Daily Current Affairs : 28-November-2023
In recent weeks, India’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict has gained attention through its statements, joint declarations, and votes at the United Nations.
India’s Position Unveiled
Condemnation of Terrorism
The Indian government has vehemently condemned terrorism, expressing solidarity with Israel while refraining from officially designating Hamas as a terrorist group.
Stand on Israel
India has urged Israel to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, and deplored the loss of civilian lives.
Humanitarian Pauses
Alongside the U.S. and Australia, India has advocated for humanitarian pauses in the bombardment, stopping short of calling for an outright ceasefire.
Skipping the BRICS Plus Summit
India’s absence from the BRICS plus summit signals discomfort with South Africa’s stance, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
UN Stand
India abstained from a UNGA vote urging Israel to cease fire but supported other resolutions opposing Israel’s settler policies in occupied territories.
India’s Global Alignment
Principle of Non-Alignment
Historically aligning with the Global South, India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has shifted slightly, reflecting a departure from traditional positions.
Aftermath of the Kargil War
Post the Kargil war, where Israel supported India, India’s language against Israel softened, despite continued alignment with the developing world.
Recent Voting Patterns
India’s recent vote, aligning with 45 abstentions, indicates a departure from its usual alignment with the Global South, raising questions about a potential shift towards Western perspectives.
Stand on Hamas
India has refrained from designating Hamas as a terror organization, distinguishing itself from Western nations that have taken a more stringent stance.
Impact on West Asian Ties
India’s relationships with countries in West Asia could be affected by its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Special Ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia
Years of building ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, anticipating normalization with Israel, may face challenges due to the strong reaction from the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
I2U2 Trade Initiative
The India-Israel-UAE-U.S. (I2U2) trade initiative and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor could be casualties of the conflict, impacting long-term infrastructure plans.
Impact on Ties with Iran
India’s strengthened ties with Iran, a historical rival of Israel, through initiatives like the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, may also face repercussions due to its stance on the conflict.
Important Points:
- Multi-layered Position:
- Condemnation of terrorism without officially designating Hamas as a terror group.
- Urging Israel for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy while condemning civilian casualties.
- Advocating for humanitarian pauses but stopping short of endorsing a ceasefire.
- BRICS Plus Summit:
- India’s absence indicates discomfort with South Africa’s call for an International Criminal Court investigation into Israel’s alleged war crimes.
- United Nations Stand:
- Abstained from a UNGA vote urging Israel to cease fire.
- Voted in favor of resolutions against Israel’s settler policies but not for a ceasefire.
- Global Alignment Shift:
- Departure from traditional alignment with the Global South, evident in recent voting patterns at the UN.
- Hamas and Terror Designation:
- India stands apart from Western nations by not designating Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Impact on West Asian Ties:
- Special Ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia:
- Relationships may be affected due to strong reactions from the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
- Trade Initiatives:
- The India-Israel-UAE-U.S. (I2U2) trade initiative and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor could face disruptions.
- Ties with Iran:
- Strengthened ties with Iran, Israel’s rival, may be impacted by India’s stance on the conflict.
- Special Ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia:
Why In News
Over the past weeks, India has expressed itself in statements, joint statements, and votes at the United Nations on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Emphasizing its commitment to a peaceful resolution, India has consistently called for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and promote lasting stability in the region.
MCQs about India’s Nuanced Position in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
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What is India’s stance on designating Hamas as a terrorist group in the Israel-Hamas conflict?
A. India has officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.
B. India condemns terrorism but has not designated Hamas as a terror group.
C. India fully supports Hamas as a legitimate entity.
D. India has not expressed any position on Hamas.
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How did India vote in the recent UNGA resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict?
A. India voted in favor of the resolution.
B. India abstained from the vote.
C. India voted against the resolution.
D. India did not participate in the vote.
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In the context of the BRICS Plus Summit, why did India skip the event?
A. India disagreed with the summit’s agenda.
B. India wanted to express solidarity with Israel.
C. India was uncomfortable with South Africa’s stance on Israel.
D. India was not invited to the summit.
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How does India’s recent vote at the UN differ from its traditional alignment in the Israel-Palestine conflict?
A. India voted in line with its traditional alignment with the Global South.
B. India voted against the resolution, aligning with Western countries.
C. India abstained from the vote, departing from its usual alignment.
D. India did not participate in the recent UN vote.
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