Team Blitz India
India and Israel share a natural partnership,” remarked S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, reflecting on the shifts in foreign policy during the tenure of the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade.
In an interview with the Economic Times, Jaishankar emphasised the progress achieved in bilateral relations between India and Israel, particularly noting the considerable advancement since 2014. The minister pointed out the past reservations in openly showcasing the partnership, citing delayed establishment of diplomatic missions until 1992 and the inaugural visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 2017. He remarked, “Israel is a natural partner. But we hesitated to publicly embrace this relationship.”
The Foreign Minister made it clear that he considered the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel to be an act of terrorism. He expressed frustration at the reluctance of the Opposition, specifically the Congress party, to characterise it as such.
Emphasising the right of nations to defend themselves against terrorism, Jaishankar stressed the importance of minimising civilian casualties in such actions. He extended this principle to India’s own hypothetical scenarios, affirming, “I mean, I would say this even to our own forces, if we are ever in that situation.”
Addressing the broader shifts in Indian foreign policy under the Modi Government, Jaishankar emphasised a pragmatic approach focused on national interest. He contrasted this with past tendencies towards prioritising broader causes over national interest, asserting, “This is in contrast to an earlier left-wing liberal belief that there is a bigger cause out there, which causes our national interest to take second place. We are nationalistic.”
Jaishankar acknowledged the evolving nature of foreign policy with changes in government, citing the transition from historical reservations about engaging with the United States to a more proactive approach post2014. He emphasised the influence of differing ideological perspectives and priorities on shaping foreign policy directions.
