Hours after the images of the atrocities on Oct. 7 began spreading, condemnations also began to pour in from world leaders. One was particularly historic: Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India – the leader of the world's largest democracy – expressed his unequivocal support for Israel.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
From the moment Israel declared statehood in 1948, India had consistently refrained from supporting the Jewish state in any war; on the contrary, supported its enemies and provided them assistance. But 2023 will now go down as the year when India left its historical fears behind and stood boldly beside its friend.
Modi's support for Israel in this way is certainly a change of course, deviating from decades of walking on eggshells regarding the Middle East and Israel in particular. Had Delhi stopped short of expressing support this time, it would have severely undermined the authenticity of the ruling BJP's fight against terror and extremist Islamic elements.
Modi's statement left no room for doubt. In his tweet on X (Twitter), he wrote: "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," Modi tweeted.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar retweeted Modi's tweet. The wording of the statement and the speed of the response were impressive and reflected changes in geopolitical conditions and domestic politics in India.
Ever since Modi came to power in 2014, we have seen occasional departures from the longstanding foreign policy shaped by the founding fathers of the country under the long rule of the Indian National Congress (known as the Congress Part).
Among these exceptions was the Indian decision to abstain from voting against Israel in the UN Human Rights Council in 2015 and 2016. Delhi's shift has been measured; foraging many partnerships was a key tenet of that foreign policy.
For example, in 2017, India hosted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas before Modi's historic visit to Israel. Shortly before that, India joined the countries opposing recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
While the BJP stands with Israel, the Congress Party, which has cast itself as "the defender of human rights" in the country, has taken its time before responding to the events, and even when it did, it disappointed many in India.
The Congress Working Committee said that it "expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days." It added that it "reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect" and "calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict."
India's siding with Israel is another proof of how far the two country's relationship has advanced. This shift is crucial when it comes to shaping public opinion on Israel in South Asia."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
