In the midst of the crimson skies over Gaza, as Israeli air strikes echoed against the backdrop of global condemnation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolute stance not only solidified India’s support for Israel but also showcased a visionary foreign policy that echoes the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Founded in 1961 during the Cold War, NAM sought to champion the interests of developing nations, playing a pivotal role in decolonisation, the formation of independent states and the democratisation of international relations in its initial three decades.
PM Modi took to X to write- “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour”.
Prime Minister Modi’s response to Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel echoed globally, amassing praise from the Consulate General of Israel to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani, who lauded PM Modi as a global leader, a friend, and a brother. Shoshani said that PM Modi’s stand is of significant importance in the global war against terrorism.
The subsequent call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, updating PM Modi on the situation as Israel seized control of the Gaza border, highlighted the importance of India’s role in the ongoing global war against terrorism.
PM Modi’s clear condemnation of terrorism is not a recent development but a consistent thread throughout his tenure. Whether participating in the Non-Aligned Movement summit in 2020 or addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress in June 2023, PM Modi has outlined a holistic and forward-looking strategy to tackle terrorism. PM Modi’s emphasis on actively pursuing terrorists, dismantling support structures and disrupting financial networks resonates deeply with NAM’s commitment to democratising international relations.
India’s unwavering support for Israel during the current conflict is a testament to PM Modi’s broader vision. By reiterating that terrorism is not confined to one country but is a challenge faced by the entire world, PM Modi has positioned India as a staunch ally in the fight against terror.
In the past nine years, the government led by PM Modi has succeeded in firmly curbing all forms of terrorism in the country. He has consistently maintained that “even a single attack is one too many and even a single life lost is one too many”, adding that “we will not rest till terrorism is uprooted.” This alignment, despite India’s historically complex relationship with the US, reflects an intelligent and well-thought move on PM Modi’s part; as now both the nations are standing on the same side.
The strategic partnership between India and Israel is a decades-in-the-making juggernaut. India’s growing proximity to Israel, evident in becoming its largest arms supplier in 2017, signifies a strategic partnership that goes beyond the conventional geopolitical dynamics. The shift took pace only after PM Modi assumed power in 2014.
Critics may argue that PM Modi has abandoned India’s Non-Aligned Movement roots, but a closer look reveals that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has come full circle within NAM. PM Modi’s visionary foreign policy navigates the complexities of global geopolitics with finesse, upholding the core principles of NAM. This has clearly reflected in how the nation stands firmly with Israel without offending the world, which just a few years ago, nobody thought was possible.
Far from abandoning its roots, India, under its prime minister’s guidance, has revitalised its role within NAM, solidifying its place as a key player in shaping the future of international relations.