New Delhi: In a nuanced response to the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, the Congress party struck a delicate balance between its historical support for the Palestinian cause and acknowledging the need for better ties with Israel.
This diplomatic dance comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel, a move that raised eyebrows given India's traditional commitment to the Palestinian struggle.
The Congress, led by communication head Jairam Ramesh, condemned what it referred to as "brutal attacks" on the people of Israel while emphasizing the party's belief in the fulfilment of Palestinian aspirations through dialogue and negotiations.
The Congress refrained from overtly criticizing the Prime Minister's statement, opting instead for a cautious approach that avoided questioning the government's stance, possibly to navigate potential domestic electoral ramifications.
Historically, the Congress has maintained its support for the Palestinian cause, even while advocating for improved relations with Israel. However, recent criticism from the party directed at the BJP government highlighted concerns about a perceived shift in India's stance, departing from its established commitment to Palestine.
The Left parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India, took a more assertive position, urging the Indian government to unequivocally uphold the two-state solution agreed upon in the United Nations.
The Left in India has consistently criticized Israel and steadfastly supported the Palestinian cause, as reflected in the 2004 common minimum programme of the UPA government.
The Congress, in its carefully crafted response, steered away from directly challenging the government, instead reiterating its commitment to the Palestinian cause and advocating for a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, the Left parties called for an end to the conflict, emphasizing the need for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian lands and implement UN resolutions for a two-state solution.
The international community's role was underscored by the Left parties, urging the United Nations and India to work towards permanent peace by supporting the two-state solution. The CPI specifically called for efforts to establish permanent peace through diplomatic means.
As tensions escalate in the Gaza Strip, the differing responses from India's political spectrum reflect the delicate balance the country seeks to maintain in its relationships with Israel and Palestine.