When Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India stands with Israel in his recent Israel visit, it sparked discussion about India’s traditional foreign policy principles. For many decades, India has projected itself as a nation that stands with the oppressed and supports justice and self determination around the world. The statement has therefore reopened a debate about whether India’s historical position is changing.
India’s approach to Palestine has deep roots. During the time of independence, Indian leaders were sympathetic to peoples facing displacement and colonial domination. In 1947, India opposed the partition of Palestine at the United Nations. Later, India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974 and the State of Palestine in 1988. Over the years, India supported a two-state solution and consistently spoke about the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.
This moral outlook was strongly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy emphasized nonviolence, justice, and refusing to side with oppression. Gandhi believed that lasting peace could only come through fairness and respect for people’s rights. His ideas shaped how many viewed India’s global role after independence.
At the same time, India gradually developed closer relations with Israel, especially after establishing full diplomatic ties in 1992. Leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee tried to maintain a balance-supporting Palestinian aspirations while engaging Israel diplomatically.
Today, India’s growing partnership with Israel is often discussed in terms of security and strategic cooperation. However, the broader question many people raise is whether humanitarian principles should remain central to India’s voice in global affairs.
India’s historical identity was built on speaking for justice, peace, and the rights of those facing suffering, and that moral expectation still shapes public discussion.
At the same time, many people in India and across the world continue to speak about the rights and dignity of Palestinians. Public voices, students, civil society groups, and intellectuals often highlight humanitarian concerns and call for peace and justice. In many ways, this reflects the enduring influence of Gandhi’s message that societies and leaders should stand with those who suffer and raise their voice against injustice rather than remain silent.
Sayed Mobashar Ali is a B.A. Honours Psychology student at Jamia Millia Islamia with an interest in media, democracy, and society.