The recognition of the Palestinian State has gained momentum with several countries extending formal support. Rooted in the Montevideo Convention’s criteria for statehood, the issue raises questions of legitimacy, sovereignty, and peace in West Asia. For India, it reflects a careful balance between historical support for Palestine and strategic ties with Israel, making it a key topic for both international affairs and UPSC preparation.

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Recognition of the Palestinian State – UPSC Notes

Why in News?

• Recently, countries such as UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Portugal formally recognized Palestine as a state.

• This has renewed global focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Two-State Solution, and India’s diplomatic balancing act in West Asia.

Montevideo Convention (1933) – Criteria for Statehood

• A political entity is considered a state under international law if it has:

  • A permanent population.

  • A defined territory.

  • A functioning government.

  • Capacity to engage in foreign relations.

• Palestine meets some of these criteria but lacks full sovereign control over its territory.

Legal & Current Status of Palestine

• The Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem; Gaza was previously under its control.

• Israel still controls borders, resources, and security, limiting Palestinian sovereignty.

• As of 2025, 139 of 193 UN members recognize Palestine, but UN membership remains blocked due to U.S. veto and Israeli opposition.

Impact of Recognition

• On Israel:

  • Weakens its international legitimacy.

  • Reinforces the view of Israel as an occupying power.

• On Palestine:

  • Provides symbolic legitimacy and boosts diplomatic standing.

  • But recognition does not translate into military or administrative control.

India’s Stand on the Conflict

• Early Support:

  • Opposed the 1947 UN Partition Plan (consistent with India’s anti-colonial stance).

  • Recognized Israel in 1950 but strongly supported the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

  • One of the first countries to recognize Palestine in 1988.

• Dehyphenated Policy:

  • Since 1990s, India has separated its relations with Israel and Palestine.

  • Strong defence and technology ties with Israel, while continuing political and developmental support to Palestine.

• Current Position:

  • Advocates a Two-State Solution.

  • Supports peaceful coexistence and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.

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What is the Two-State Solution?

• Proposes creation of two independent states – Israel and Palestine – living peacefully side by side.

• Requires mutual recognition of sovereignty.

• East Jerusalem envisaged as the capital of Palestine.

• Considered by the UN and global powers as the only viable long-term peace model.

Evolution of India–Israel Relations (for Balance)

• Diplomatic: Recognized Israel in 1950; full relations established in 1992.

• Trade: Bilateral trade reached USD 6.5 billion (2023–24) with a trade surplus for India.

• Defence: India imports around 40% of Israel’s defence exports; joint projects include Barak-8 missile.

• Technology & Innovation: India-Israel Industrial R&D Fund (I4F) launched for 2023–2027.

• Regional Groupings: Active in I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US) for regional cooperation.

The Path Ahead

• Global Push for Peace: Growing recognition strengthens momentum for diplomatic resolution.

• Abraham Accords as Example: Normalization between Israel and Arab nations proves peaceful coexistence is possible.

• India’s Strategic Role:

  • Maintain a dehyphenated approach – deepening ties with Israel while upholding Palestine’s rights.

  • Use credibility to act as a neutral mediator in West Asia.

  • Balance relations with Arab nations (energy & diaspora) and Israel (defence & innovation).

• Long-Term Goal: Promote a peaceful, Two-State Solution that ensures stability in West Asia.

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India–Palestine Relations – Domestic and Global Perspectives

Domestic Perspective

• India’s consistent support for Palestine reflects its anti-colonial values and solidarity with self-determination struggles.

• Domestic politics and public opinion continue to favor Palestinian rights.

• Balancing relations with both Israel and Palestine helps India safeguard energy security, diaspora safety, and strategic interests.

Global Perspective

• India projects itself as a neutral, responsible global power in the conflict.

• In forums like the UNSC (2021–22) and UNHRC (2022–24), India emphasized peaceful negotiation.

• Maintaining ties with both Arab states and Israel strengthens India’s role in West Asian diplomacy.

• Enhances India’s image as a potential mediator and a balancer of global interests.

Mains Practice Question

“Discuss India’s evolving relations with Israel and Palestine. How does India balance its domestic compulsions with its global strategic interests in West Asia?” (10 marks, 150 words)

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