India changes stance on Israel
Marking a significant shift in stance, India refrained on a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution. The resolution condemned Israel for the apparent war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict, as noted by a UN report. However, India refused any such shift by saying "There is no change in New Delhi's long standing position on support to the Palestinian cause".
India condemns Israeli insurgency in Gaza
On 25 July 2014, Modi voted in favour of the UN Resolution which aimed to launch an investigation into the Israeli insurgency in Gaza. India severely condemned Israel for "disproportionate use of force" and sought that the International Commission probe into the infringement of international humanitarian law. India joined the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa) in voting against Israel.
Is India losing by going against Israel?
India has been helped by Israel strategically in the spheres of defence, intelligence, security and to counter-terrorism in the past; hence, voting against Israel might not be such a good idea. Israel sides with India on the Kashmir issue; India's vote against Israel roughly translates into a vote for Hamas (which aides Kashmir terrorists). Moreover, India could have used the 'abstain' option while voting.
Indian tradition: voting against Israel
In voting against Israel, India kept up a tradition of its policy which New Delhi has followed since P.V Narsimha Rao's term as the PM. They always favour Palestine at UN resolutions.
India assures Palestine of 'no change' in policy
The government confirmed that there was no change in India's policy of supporting the Palestinian cause while maintaining good relations with Israel. Sushma Swaraj's office had given a statement in Parliament earlier that there will be no change in stance in India's Palestine policy. PM Narendra Modi too commented in the media about "solidarity with the Palestinian people for their struggle".
India moving closer to Israel
Since the Modi government has come to power, India's relationship with Israel has gone from strength to strength. Under Modi, Israel and India have surged ahead with the joint development of their aerial defence system. Over the last two years, India has become the biggest customer of Israeli defence exports. India is one of the largest customers for unarmed drones.
Who did the others side with?
41 of the 47 UNHRC council members, including 8 EU members voted in favour of the resolution; Kenya, Paraguay, India, Ethiopia and Macedonia abstained. Only America voted against the resolution.
