Despite Israel conducting last-minute preparations for its full-scale ground invasion of Gaza, India has strangely chosen not to support the worldwide appeal at the UN for an instant cessation of hostilities. With all other governments in South Asia voting in favour of the UN resolution, India's action made it stand out among the rest. The resolution, put up by Jordan, emphasised the significance of abiding by international humanitarian law while attempting to achieve a humanitarian truce. It demanded Gaza get an unlimited flow of basic supplies and the unconditional release of all detained people. Numerous Arab and Islamic nations, including Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and even Russia, supported this proposal.
India did not specifically mention Hamas in its “explanation of vote,” while backing an amendment that did. The Indian delegate conveyed grave worries on the death toll among civilians and the worsening security conditions, but she did not provide an explanation for India's vote of no confidence. The statement did not express an opinion on the resolution itself; rather, it asked all parties to act properly. In its justification for the vote, India urged all sides to defuse tensions and move towards direct peace talks while restating its support for a negotiated two-State solution. However, it did not appear to back Palestine. We need to reflect and make a decision that we can all be happy with, especially if our goal is to become the world's “Vishwa Guru,” or teacher and preacher!
India's stance, while regrettable and unjustifiable, needs to be viewed in the context of its current situation. It had to balance its expanding friendship and reliance on Israel in the security and strategic domains with its beloved friendship with Palestine and humanitarian concerns. Nevertheless, India's foreign policy has always been based on human values, and we shouldn't waver from our moral convictions. Though India's West Asia policy presently appears fragile and unclear, we ought to have been seen to be talking the talk. India first expressed support for Israel in the war, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi eventually adopted a more nuanced stance and expressed support for the two-state solution and the Palestinian cause. India was not the only country to support Israel, though.
Israel's action was justified by the US and the Western Bloc as reprisal for the attack by Hamas. Jordan's delegate opposed Canada's proposal during the vote, claiming it was an attempt to cover up Israel's crimes by naming Hamas. All acts of violence, including terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, against Israeli and Palestinian civilians were denounced in the UN resolution. It demanded adherence to international humanitarian law, safeguarding humanitarian workers and infrastructure, and releasing all detained civilians. The resolution reaffirmed the necessity of resolving the Israel-Palestine problem peacefully, in conformity with pertinent UN resolutions, international law, and a reasonable and enduring settlement.
