Daily Current Affairs : 14-November-2023
In a recent development at the United Nations General Assembly, India cast its vote in favor of a resolution condemning Israeli settlement activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.” This decision reflects India’s stance on a long-standing global issue.
Details of the Resolution
The draft resolution, titled ‘Israeli settlements in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan,’ gained approval from the UN General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee. The recorded vote tallied 145 nations in favor, seven against, and 18 abstentions.
Key Points of the Resolution
The resolution reiterates the illegality of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, considering them obstacles to peace and economic development. It emphasizes the immediate and complete cessation of all such activities.
India’s Voting Pattern
India, aligning itself with 145 nations, voted for five out of six resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It abstained from one resolution focused on investigating Israeli human rights violations. India’s traditional position advocates for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel.
Historical Perspective
Delving into history, India initially opposed the partition of Palestine in 1948 but later recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the State of Palestine. Despite establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, India maintained its support for the Palestinian cause. Over time, bilateral relations with Israel have strengthened, leading to shifts in India’s voting patterns.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel in 2017 marked a significant milestone, yet India continues to engage with Palestine. New Delhi consistently opposes unilateral declarations, such as the one in 2017 attempting to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Current Challenges
The evolving situation, with Israel’s demand for Gaza residents to evacuate amid escalating tensions, poses a challenge for India. Balancing its policy amid complex geopolitical dynamics requires strategic decision-making.
Important Points:
- UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements:
- India voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Israeli settlement activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
- The resolution, approved by the Fourth Committee, received support from 145 nations.
- Key Points of the Resolution:
- The resolution deems Israeli settlements illegal, citing them as obstacles to peace and economic development.
- It emphasizes the immediate cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- India’s Voting Pattern:
- India supported five out of six resolutions on the Israel-Palestine conflict at the UN.
- It abstained from a resolution focused on investigating Israeli human rights violations.
- India’s traditional stance advocates for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.
- Historical Perspective:
- India historically opposed the partition of Palestine in 1948.
- It was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the State of Palestine.
- Despite establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, India maintained support for the Palestinian cause.
- Diplomatic Balancing Act:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel marked a historic milestone.
- India continues to engage with Palestine, maintaining a consistent stance against unilateral declarations, such as the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017.
- Evolution of India’s Position:
- Over time, India’s relations with Israel have strengthened in areas like trade, technology, military procurement, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
- India’s voting pattern shifted, including instances where it voted against resolutions critical of Israel, indicating a nuanced approach.
- Current Challenges:
- Israel’s demand for Gaza residents to evacuate amid escalating tensions poses a diplomatic challenge for India.
- Balancing policy amidst complex geopolitical dynamics and historical linkages requires strategic decision-making.
Why In News
India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that condemns Israeli settlement activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory,” underscoring its commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
MCQs about India’s Stance on Israeli Settlements
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What was the focus of the UN resolution that India voted in favor of at the General Assembly?
A. Condemning Palestinian actions
B. Condemning Israeli human rights violations
C. Condemning Israeli settlement activities
D. Condemning UN interference
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How many nations voted in favor of the UN resolution on Israeli settlements?
A. 120
B. 145
C. 165
D. 180
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Which country did India abstain from voting against in one of the resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
A. Israel
B. Palestine
C. Syria
D. Iran
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What historical shift in India’s stance towards Israel is mentioned in the essay?
A. India’s opposition to the creation of Israel in 1948
B. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017
C. Establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992
D. India’s historical support for Israeli war crimes investigations
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