India’s Vote in Favour of Palestine Statehood

Context

India has voted in favor of a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly that supports the ‘New York Declaration’ on the peaceful disposal of the Palestine issue and the implementation of a two-state solution.

Key Highlights

• The proposal was introduced by France and adopted with voting in favor of 142 nations, against 10 and 12 restraints.
  • • Those who voted against Argentina, Hungary, Israel and the United States. 
• In the announcement, the leaders agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza to achieve a fair, peaceful and permanent settlement of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.
• The resolution is based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution, and to build a better future for Palestinians, Israel and all people in the region. 
  • • This asked the leadership of Israel to release a clear public commitment to the two-state solution, including a sovereign and viable Palestinian state.

India’s stand on Israel-Palestine conflict

• India was the first non-Arab country to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974.
• In 1988, India was one of the first countries to recognize the state of Palestine.
• India continued to vote in favor of Palestinian proposals in the United Nations.
• Support for Palestinian State:
  • • India supports a two-state solution-the peaceful co-existence of Israel and Palestine within the safe and recognized boundaries.
    • Eastern Jerusalem is advocated as the capital of Palestine (based on United Nations resolutions).
    • Supports Palestine’s membership in international organizations (eg, UNESCO, UNESCO, UNGA Observer State in 2012).
• High level Visits: Prime Minister Modi paid the historic visit to Palestine in 2018, the first to an Indian Prime Minister.
  • • Earlier, former President Pranab Mukherjee visited Palestine in 2015, marking the first visit to Palestine by an Indian President. 
• Development Assistance: India has provided various forms of development support to Palestine over the years of US $ 141 million.
  • • India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund has also funded four projects in Palestine, priced at US $ 5 MN.
• In the United Nations, India emphasizes:
  • • Violence and rejection of terrorism from both sides.
    • Gaza requires human assistance.
    • Support for diplomatic and peaceful disposal.
• India’s position reflects a delicate balance: even after India’s relationship with Israel in the last three decades, it has kept a careful balance between its new partnership and historical commitment to Palestine.
  • • India has a strategic partnership with Israel in defense, agriculture and innovation.
    • India frames its stance as “Royal Support for Palestine, a practical partnership with Israel”.

Conclusion

• India supports Palestine’s state’s rights and two-state solutions, as well as strengthening strategic relations with Israel. 
• Its position is of the shape of realism, balances West Asian interests, and commitment to international law.

Source: The ToI

Mains PYQ

(Q) “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

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