Introduction
The Israel–Hamas war, reignited by the shocking Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, plunged West Asia into one of its most devastating conflicts in recent memory. The violent escalation has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and global diplomatic turbulence.
For India, the conflict is not merely a regional issue—it has significant strategic, economic, security, and diplomatic ramifications. As a nation with historic ties to both Israel and the Palestinian cause, India’s response offers a unique window into its evolving foreign policy, marked by strategic autonomy, nuanced diplomacy, and balancing global alliances.
India’s Official Stance: A Calibrated Response
India’s reaction to the war has been cautious but clear. On October 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong solidarity with Israel, condemning the Hamas attack as "terrorism in its most brutal form." This drew attention globally, as India historically supported Palestinian statehood and was among the first non-Arab nations to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1970s.
However, in the days following the escalation, India balanced its position by:
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Urging restraint and de-escalation from all parties
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Reaffirming support for a two-state solution
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Sending humanitarian aid to Gaza
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Supporting UN-led relief efforts
India walked a tightrope—condemning terrorism without alienating the Palestinian cause—demonstrating its preference for issue-based, non-ideological foreign policy.
India–Israel Relations: A Deep Strategic Bond
India and Israel share a multi-dimensional partnership, built steadily since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992. Today, their relationship encompasses:
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Defence: Israel is one of India's top three arms suppliers, offering advanced UAVs, missile systems, and cyber-defense tools
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Technology: Collaboration in agriculture, water management, and innovation
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Security: Intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism drills, and cybersecurity cooperation
India’s expression of solidarity with Israel must be seen in light of this strategic convergence, especially on counter-terrorism. Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by both Israel and the US, was denounced without hesitation.
However, India also stopped short of supporting Israel’s military campaign unconditionally, particularly in light of the Gaza humanitarian crisis.
India’s Position on Palestine: Historical Support with Contemporary Realism
India has long supported Palestinian sovereignty, championing the two-state solution based on UN resolutions. From Mahatma Gandhi to Indira Gandhi, India’s stance was pro-Palestine in its early years, particularly during Cold War alignments with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
In recent years, however, India has sought balanced diplomacy:
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Voted in support of Palestinian statehood at the UN
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Donated to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees
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Maintained ties with Fatah-led Palestinian Authority
India’s messaging during the 2023 war reflects this duality—pro-Israel on security matters, but pro-humanitarian and pro-dialogue on statehood.
Geopolitical Implications for India
1. Regional Stability in West Asia
India has vital interests in West Asia, including:
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Energy security: Over 60% of India’s oil comes from the region
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Trade partnerships: With the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel
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Diaspora ties: Over 8 million Indian workers reside in Gulf countries
Escalation of war risks regional spillover, which could hurt India’s economic interests, diaspora security, and supply chains.
2. India’s Role in Global South Diplomacy
India, having championed Global South priorities during its G20 presidency, cannot afford to appear indifferent to humanitarian suffering in Gaza. By sending aid and supporting UN relief work, India reinforces its image as a balanced voice—not just an ally of the West.
3. Iran and Strategic Connectivity Projects
The conflict has strained India–Iran relations, particularly due to Iran’s support for Hamas and its anti-Israel rhetoric. At the same time, India relies on Iran for the Chabahar Port project, crucial to its International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and its Central Asia access strategy.
Managing these ties while siding with Israel requires careful diplomacy.
Domestic and Political Considerations
India’s internal response to the Israel–Hamas conflict has been sharply divided:
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Right-leaning narratives have hailed Modi’s pro-Israel stance as strong leadership against terrorism
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Left-leaning groups, student bodies, and civil society have criticized the civilian toll in Gaza and called for a firmer pro-Palestine position
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Social media debates, protests, and university-level activism have brought the global crisis into India’s domestic space
The Indian Muslim community, traditionally sympathetic to Palestine, has voiced concern over India’s strong pro-Israel rhetoric, though major protests have remained largely peaceful.
Economic Impact on India
The war has had indirect economic consequences:
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Rising crude oil prices threatened India’s import bill and inflation targets
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Stock market volatility in late 2023 and early 2024 reflected global uncertainty
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Shipping routes in the Red Sea and Suez Canal—critical for Indian exports—faced disruptions due to regional tensions and Houthi threats
Despite these, India’s diversified energy sourcing and trade routes helped cushion long-term impacts.
India's Broader Foreign Policy Lessons
The Israel–Hamas war has tested India’s multi-alignment policy and strategic autonomy. Key takeaways:
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Issue-based diplomacy allows India to maintain ties with both Western and Eastern blocs
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Global South leadership demands a humanitarian voice, not just strategic clarity
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The future of West Asia policy lies in India promoting peaceful regional architectures, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced during the G20 Summit
India’s ability to act as a neutral problem solver, rather than a partisan player, will define its long-term foreign policy credibility.
Conclusion
The Israel–Hamas war, though geographically distant, presents India with one of its most complex diplomatic challenges in recent years. Tied to Israel through deep strategic partnerships, yet rooted in a legacy of supporting Palestine and global peace, India has walked a tightrope—condemning terror, offering aid, calling for restraint, and maintaining ties across ideological divides.
This conflict underlines India’s evolution as a mature global player, capable of balancing national interest with international responsibility. As India aspires to permanent membership in the UN Security Council and continues to position itself as a leader of the Global South, such nuanced diplomacy will be essential.
In the shifting sands of West Asian geopolitics, India’s strength lies not in choosing sides, but in choosing principles—peace, development, sovereignty, and dialogue. Whether navigating security alliances or humanitarian crises, India’s challenge and opportunity lie in being a bridge in a world of widening divides.