India's Response to the Israel War on Gaza

India’s Response to the Israel War on Gaza

India has called for ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. During the ongoing conflict, India has provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies.

Table of Contents

Context

October 7, 2024 marked one year since Israel’s war on Gaza began.
This highlighted the devastating impact on civilians in Gaza.

Responses in India

Political and Civil Society

Hindutva Influence: The Indian right-wing, particularly the Hindutva ideology, has shifted support away from Palestine and towards Israel.
- This has affected how Indians see the issue, with less empathy for Palestinians than before.
Opposition Silence: While a few Opposition leaders have spoken up for Palestine, most political parties haven’t taken a clear stand.
Leftist Protests: Only Left parties have held small protests and backed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, but overall, public support has been weak.
Anti-Imperialism Decline: India’s focus on close relations with powerful countries like the United States has reduced its attention on anti-colonial causes like Palestine’s struggle.

Media and Public Perception

One-Sided Reporting: Indian media has covered the Israel-Gaza conflict, but often from Israel’s perspective, focused on the fight against terrorism and avoided deeper discussions about the historical causes of the conflict.
- The conflict goes back to 1948, when Palestinians were forcibly removed from their land. Failing to acknowledge this history makes it harder for some people, especially in India, to feel the moral outrage the situation deserves.

India-Israel Relations

India’s relationship with Israel grew stronger after the Kargil War in 1999 when Israel provided military aid to India. Since then, India and Israel have deepened their cooperation in defence, technology, and trade.
This growing bond with Israel is part of India’s broader effort to align more closely with the U.S., which also sees Israel as a key partner.

Conclusion

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war continues to evoke strong reactions globally while eliciting a muted response from India. This discrepancy reflects deeper political shifts within India and highlights the complexities surrounding international relations and humanitarian concerns in conflict zones. As the situation evolves, it remains critical for global actors to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-standing political grievances affecting peace in the region.