27 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceEDITORIAL

India's Israel Policy: Balancing Relations in West Asia

Q: What are India's strategic options in dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict?

India has several strategic options: * Maintaining a balanced approach: Continuing to engage with both Israel and Palestine, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution. * Focusing on economic diplomacy: Leveraging economic ties to promote stability and cooperation in the region. * Advocating for a two-state solution: Supporting the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. * Playing a mediating role: Offering to facilitate negotiations between the parties involved. Key points: Maintaining a balanced approach: Continuing to engage with both Israel and Palestine, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution.. Focusing on economic diplomacy: Leveraging economic ties to promote stability and cooperation in the region.. Advocating for a two-state solution: Supporting the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.. Playing a mediating role: Offering to facilitate negotiations between the parties involved.

India's relations with Israel should not compromise ties with the Arab world.

Editorial Analysis

India's upgraded ties with Israel, while significant, should not come at the cost of its historically balanced relations with West Asia. India needs to clarify its position on the conflict and uphold principles of peace and compassion.

Main Arguments:

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, marked by upgraded ties and agreements, raises concerns about India's stance on Palestine.
Modi's oblique reference to Palestinian sovereignty and lack of explicit condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza have drawn criticism.
The visit carries the risk of taking sides in the event of a conflict, especially amidst the threat of U.S. attacks on Iran.
A decision to 'stand with Israel, firmly...' could come at the cost of India's relations with other West Asian powers, which expect India to remain steadfast to its historically calibrated regional balance.

Conclusion

India needs to maintain its historically calibrated regional balance and uphold principles of peace, morality, and compassion in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Policy Implications

India should clarify its position on the conflict and ensure that its relations with Israel do not come at the cost of its ties with other West Asian powers.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel has upgraded ties and agreements, leading to discussions about India's stance on Palestine and its broader relations with West Asia. While the visit strengthened the India-Israel partnership, Modi's reference to Palestinian sovereignty and the absence of explicit condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza have sparked criticism. The visit highlights the need for India to maintain its historically calibrated regional balance and uphold principles of peace and compassion in the Israel-Palestine conflict, cautioning against alienating other West Asian powers.

India's approach to the Israel-Palestine issue has traditionally involved balancing relations with both sides. This visit, however, has prompted scrutiny regarding a potential shift in this long-standing policy. The agreements made during the visit, while beneficial for India-Israel relations, have raised concerns about the implications for India's relations with other nations in West Asia.

The core issue revolves around India's ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of West Asia while upholding its values and strategic interests. Maintaining a balanced approach is crucial to avoid alienating key partners and preserving regional stability. This situation is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in the International Relations section of GS Paper 2.

Key Facts

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Jerusalem was a significant bilateral outreach to Israel.

India and Israel agreed to upgrade ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership”.

India and Israel signed a critical technologies partnership among more than 15 MoUs.

India agreed to facilitate the employment of 50,000 Indian workers in Israel over the next five years.

Mr. Modi referred only obliquely to Palestinian sovereignty, saying that the U.S.-led Gaza Peace Initiative “holds the promise of a just and durable peace... including by addressing the Palestine Issue”.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - India's foreign policy, bilateral relations

India's balancing act in West Asia, implications for regional stability

Potential questions on NAM, Abraham Accords, India's strategic interests

In Simple Words

India is trying to maintain good relations with both Israel and Palestine. It's like having two friends who don't get along, and you want to stay on good terms with both. India's recent actions show a tilt towards Israel, but it needs to balance this with its historical support for Palestine.

India Angle

India has a large Muslim population and strong ties with Arab nations. Supporting Palestine aligns with this history, while closer ties with Israel serve strategic interests. Balancing these interests is important for India's image and influence in the region.

For Instance

Think of it like a shopkeeper who sells both Indian and foreign goods. They need to balance promoting local products with offering international brands to satisfy all customers.

This affects India's standing in the world and its ability to influence peace efforts in the Middle East. It also impacts our economic and strategic partnerships with different countries.

India's balancing act in West Asia: Friends with everyone, but committed to peace.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, marked by upgraded ties and agreements, raises concerns about India's stance on Palestine and its broader relations with West Asia. While the visit strengthened the India-Israel partnership, Modi's oblique reference to Palestinian sovereignty and lack of explicit condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza have drawn criticism. The article emphasizes the need for India to maintain its historically calibrated regional balance and uphold principles of peace and compassion in the Israel-Palestine conflict, cautioning against alienating other West Asian powers.

Expert Analysis

India's foreign policy in West Asia is a complex balancing act, requiring careful consideration of historical ties, economic interests, and strategic partnerships. The recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel has brought this balancing act into sharper focus. To fully understand the nuances of this situation, several key concepts need to be examined.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which India was a founding member of in 1961, has historically guided India's foreign policy. NAM emphasized independence from major power blocs and promoted solidarity among developing nations. India's traditional support for the Palestinian cause stemmed from these principles, viewing it as a struggle against colonialism and for self-determination. However, in recent years, India has strategically deepened its ties with Israel, driven by shared security concerns and economic opportunities. This shift requires careful management to avoid alienating traditional allies within NAM and the broader Arab world. The current situation tests India's ability to reconcile its historical commitments with its evolving strategic priorities.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. These accords have reshaped the geopolitical landscape of West Asia, creating new opportunities for regional cooperation and economic integration. India has cautiously welcomed the Abraham Accords, recognizing their potential to promote stability and reduce conflict in the region. However, India also remains mindful of the concerns of countries like Palestine, which feel marginalized by these developments. India's challenge lies in engaging with the new dynamics created by the Abraham Accords while continuing to advocate for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, aims to strengthen economic, strategic, and cultural ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. While not directly related to West Asia, the Act East Policy reflects India's broader foreign policy objective of diversifying its partnerships and promoting regional stability. A stable and prosperous West Asia is crucial for India's energy security and economic interests, as the region is a major source of oil and a key trading partner. Therefore, India's approach to the Israel-Palestine issue must be seen in the context of its broader regional strategy and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in its extended neighborhood.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing India's foreign policy challenges and opportunities. Questions in both Prelims and Mains exams may focus on India's relations with West Asia, its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the role of NAM in shaping its foreign policy. A comprehensive understanding of these issues will be essential for answering questions related to International Relations (GS Paper 2).

Visual Insights

India's West Asia Relations

Map showing key countries in West Asia and their relationship with India, highlighting Israel and Palestine.

Loading interactive map...

📍Israel📍Palestine📍United Arab Emirates📍Bahrain📍Saudi Arabia📍Iran

More Information

Background

India's relationship with Israel has evolved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. Prior to this, India maintained a cautious approach due to its support for the Palestinian cause and its large Muslim population. However, the end of the Cold War and changing geopolitical realities led to a gradual warming of relations, particularly in the areas of defense and security. The Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which aimed to establish a framework for peace between Israel and Palestine, provided a window for India to engage more openly with Israel. India's growing economic ties with Israel, particularly in the technology and agriculture sectors, further strengthened the relationship. Despite this, India has consistently reiterated its support for a two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. India's foreign policy is guided by the principles enshrined in Article 51 of the Constitution, which promotes international peace and security, just and honorable relations between nations, and respect for international law and treaty obligations. This constitutional mandate requires India to balance its strategic interests with its commitment to upholding international norms and principles.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has deepened its engagement with both Israel and the Arab world, reflecting its multi-alignment approach. India has strengthened its defense cooperation with Israel, becoming a major buyer of Israeli military equipment. At the same time, India has maintained close ties with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are major sources of energy and investment. The government's focus on economic diplomacy has also played a key role in shaping India's relations with West Asia. India has actively pursued free trade agreements and investment opportunities in the region, seeking to diversify its economic partnerships and promote regional integration. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, is a significant example of this approach. Looking ahead, India is likely to continue to pursue a balanced approach to West Asia, seeking to maximize its economic and strategic interests while upholding its values and principles. The challenge will be to navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region and manage the competing interests of its various partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel spark criticism, even though it strengthened ties?

While the visit upgraded ties and agreements, Modi's reference to Palestinian sovereignty was oblique. The absence of explicit condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza led to criticism. This is because it potentially signals a shift away from India's historically balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which traditionally involved supporting Palestinian rights.

2. How does India's deepening relationship with Israel affect its relations with other West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

India needs to maintain a calibrated regional balance to avoid alienating other West Asian powers. These countries are major sources of energy and investment for India. India's multi-alignment approach requires it to strengthen its defense cooperation with Israel while maintaining close ties with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

3. What is the significance of the 'Special Strategic Partnership' agreed upon between India and Israel?

The 'Special Strategic Partnership' signifies an upgrade in the relationship between India and Israel. It indicates a deeper level of cooperation across various sectors, including defense, technology, and economic ties. This partnership reflects the growing convergence of interests and strategic alignment between the two countries.

4. How does the current situation differ from Mr. Modi's 2017 visit to Israel?

While both visits signify the importance of the India-Israel relationship, the current situation is marked by the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly the recent terror attack by Hamas and the strikes on Gaza. This context puts greater scrutiny on India's stance and its ability to balance relations with both Israel and Palestine.

5. What specific fact from this news is most likely to be tested in the Prelims exam?

The number of Indian workers to be employed in Israel (50,000) is a testable fact. UPSC could frame a question asking about the number of Indian workers, or the agreement between India and Israel to facilitate employment. A likely distractor would be to provide a different number, such as 40,000 or 60,000. examTip: Pay close attention to numbers in bilateral agreements.

Exam Tip

Pay close attention to numbers in bilateral agreements.

6. If a Mains question asks to 'Critically examine' India's Israel policy, what key arguments should I include?

A 'Critically examine' answer should include both the positive and negative aspects. Positively, highlight the strengthened strategic partnership, defense cooperation, and economic opportunities. Negatively, discuss the potential alienation of other West Asian powers, the impact on India's image as a supporter of Palestinian rights, and the ethical considerations of supporting a country accused of human rights violations. A balanced conclusion is essential.

7. How does this news relate to Article 51 of the Constitution?

Article 51 of the Constitution deals with the promotion of international peace and security, just and honorable relations between nations, and respect for international law and treaty obligations. India's approach to the Israel-Palestine issue and its relations with West Asian countries should align with these principles. Maintaining a balanced approach and advocating for peaceful resolutions are in line with Article 51.

8. What are India's strategic options in dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict?

India has several strategic options: * Maintaining a balanced approach: Continuing to engage with both Israel and Palestine, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution. * Focusing on economic diplomacy: Leveraging economic ties to promote stability and cooperation in the region. * Advocating for a two-state solution: Supporting the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. * Playing a mediating role: Offering to facilitate negotiations between the parties involved.

•Maintaining a balanced approach: Continuing to engage with both Israel and Palestine, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution.
•Focusing on economic diplomacy: Leveraging economic ties to promote stability and cooperation in the region.
•Advocating for a two-state solution: Supporting the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
•Playing a mediating role: Offering to facilitate negotiations between the parties involved.

9. How does this situation connect to the Abraham Accords?

The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, have reshaped the geopolitical landscape of West Asia. India's engagement with both Israel and these Arab nations must consider the dynamics created by the Accords. India needs to navigate its relationships in a way that leverages the opportunities presented by the Accords while maintaining its traditional support for the Palestinian cause.

10. Which UPSC paper is this topic most relevant to, and from what angle should I prepare it?

This topic is most relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations). Prepare it from the angle of India's foreign policy, its relations with West Asian countries, and its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Focus on the evolution of India's policy, its strategic interests, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the region. examTip: Practice writing answer on 'India's balancing act in West Asia'.

Exam Tip

Practice writing answer on 'India's balancing act in West Asia'.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): 1. India was a founding member of NAM. 2. NAM advocated for independence from major power blocs. 3. NAM primarily focused on promoting economic cooperation among member states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. India was indeed a founding member of NAM in 1961. NAM's core principle was to maintain independence from major power blocs during the Cold War. While economic cooperation was important, NAM's focus extended to political and social issues as well. Therefore, all the statements accurately reflect the principles and history of the Non-Aligned Movement.