Opinion | Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine and Global South: India Emerges as a Strong Mediator – News18

India has sent nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine. Moreover, $29.53 million has been contributed by India to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the Palestinian refugees. This might come as a surprise to many who have recently developed a newfound sense of unequivocal camaraderie with Israel in the wake of the war raging in the region. It is true that India’s relations with Israel have strengthened considerably in recent years, encompassing various sectors like trade, technology, defence, and counter-terrorism cooperation; however, situations like the ongoing Israel-Palestine war demand much more than a knee-jerk reaction.

India is emerging as a strong mediator in major geopolitical conflicts and is exercising its soft power to push for global peace and stability. New Delhi understands that as the dawn of the 21^st century tilts the power axis towards the east, India faces stiff competition from China to test its geopolitical clout and influence. Whether it’s the Israel-Palestine conflict, the inclusion of the Global South in G20 or the Russia-Ukraine War, India’s steps are calculated towards securing a particular spot in the changing geopolitical scenario of the 21^st century.

Palestine is hopeful that India, as a significant global power, will mediate in the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging Israel to “cease territorial seizures” and to collaborate with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in distributing humanitarian aid to the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza. The Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa, stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. There are also indications that President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine may engage in discussions with Prime Minister Modi soon. India’s longstanding support for the two-state policy envisions peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine with officially recognised borders established through direct negotiations.

India’s complex situation becomes evident when considering the multifaceted implications of the Israel-Palestine conflict. On one hand, India maintains a substantial relationship with Israel, which includes defence procurement and technological cooperation. The ongoing conflict has the potential to impact this partnership, as Israel may understandably prioritise its security needs during this tumultuous period. Israel is also a primary supplier of military equipment to India, and the defence business between the two nations is valued at around $2.1 billion.

On the other hand, India heavily relies on oil imports from the Middle East. Any escalation of tensions in the region can have a direct impact on energy prices, which, in turn, can affect India’s economy. The interconnectedness of the global economy means that if countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran become entangled in the Israel-Palestine conflict, it could lead to direct consequences for India’s energy supply, economy, and investments.

Furthermore, the Israel-Palestine conflict holds the potential to disrupt the stability of the Middle East, an area of significant strategic importance to India. Any escalation of hostilities could have serious implications for India’s interests and engagements in the region. This concern is particularly relevant as India recently embarked on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a large-scale infrastructure project designed to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through various transportation modes, including shipping and rail networks. The conflict’s impact on this corridor is an additional dimension to consider in the larger geopolitical landscape.

Apart from the Israel-Hamas War, India also flexed its geopolitical clout as it successfully advocated for the addition of the Global South in the league of the G20 nations. In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended invitations to 125 primarily developing countries for a virtual meeting, underlining New Delhi’s commitment to representing their interests on the international stage. During the virtual gathering, Prime Minister Modi outlined critical challenges, emphasising that addressing these issues requires a greater presence for developing nations in the evolving global order. These challenges encompassed the Covid pandemic, climate change, terrorism, and the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi expressed the view that the world is currently grappling with a crisis, and most of these global challenges are not of the making of the Global South, yet they disproportionately affect these nations.

India has made a commitment to amplify the voices of the Global South, a diverse array of primarily developing nations spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Caribbean. Officials hailed this decision as a “significant stride” toward a more equitable, inclusive, and representative global structure and governance. India’s systematic engagement with Africa commenced in 2008, but China, taking the lead with its outreach in 2000 under the presidency of Jiang Zemin, has enjoyed a head start. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) initiative took shape with its inaugural ministerial meeting in Beijing that year, marking the growing Chinese interest in Africa.

Nonetheless, India’s recent move to incorporate the African Union into the G20 positions it as a leader of developing and underdeveloped nations. This aligns with India’s goal of securing permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), for which it seeks the support of Africa, holding 55 crucial votes. Beyond acting as a bridge to the developing world, India positions itself as an emerging global player and also a crucial mediator in bridging the divide between the Western powers and Russia.

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine War, China has been seeking to establish itself as a mediator and take up the global leadership mantle; however, China’s efforts have helped shed light on India’s distinctive approach to conflict resolution. In contrast to China, which has positioned itself against the American approach, India has leveraged symbolic expressions of power to enhance its soft power image. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has projected India as a champion of democracy and a moral force for global peace. India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been clearly conveyed through various statements and interactions. Prime Minister Modi engaged in multiple telephonic conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasising India’s commitment to high-level engagement with Ukraine and its dedication to addressing the crisis.

India has extended its support for peace efforts in Ukraine, emphasising the importance of resolving the conflict through diplomatic means and aligning itself with the position of other global players, including the United States. India recognises the interconnected nature of geopolitical dynamics and aims to harmonise its stance with the key stakeholders involved in conflict resolution. It’s important to note that India’s engagement with Ukraine does not imply a complete departure from its historical ties with Russia. While expressing solidarity with Ukraine, India acknowledges Russia’s military and geopolitical significance, considering it within the context of its own military preparedness and regional stability.

India’s active engagement in the Ukraine crisis signifies its growing recognition and influence on the international stage. This involvement positions India as a key player in addressing global conflicts and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining global peace and stability. By engaging with Ukraine, India aims to assert itself as a responsible global actor, actively contributing to peaceful conflict resolution and shaping international relations constructively.

However, India encounters challenges in matching China’s influence due to its limited material resources, economic capacity, and military potential. Resource constraints further limit India’s capacity to exert substantial influence or provide extensive assistance to the parties involved in the conflict. Nevertheless, India’s significant soft power assets, such as its rich cultural heritage and technological advancements, continue to enhance its global appeal and solidify its role as a valuable partner in various sectors. India’s emphasis on public diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions strengthens diplomatic ties and fosters mutual understanding. Initiatives like cultural festivals, exchange programs, and scholarships further facilitate greater engagement, creating lasting connections between India and other nations.

Furthermore, India’s thriving cinema industry, particularly Bollywood, significantly contributes to its soft power, with its captivating storytelling, music, and dance sequences resonating with a diverse international audience. Its promotion of yoga and spiritual practices has also gained global recognition, making it a prominent element of its soft power diplomacy.

While India faces challenges in equaling China’s influence, its commitment to global peace and stability remains unwavering, underscoring its pivotal role in international affairs. Therefore, it is essential that, before hurrying to pick a side in a geopolitical conflict, one considers the national interests in the long run.

The author takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. He is a proponent of religious reform and identifies himself as “an Indic Muslim exploring Vedic knowledge and cultural heritage through music”. When he is not writing columns, he enjoys playing drums and performing raps. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.