Al-Okaz, Saudi Arabia, July 5
With the conclusion of Indian Prime Minister Nerendra Modi’s Four-day visit to Israel, it is becoming clear, without any doubt that India’s priorities in the Middle East have changed. Historically, India Has been one of the key supporters of the Palestinian cause, especially outside the Arab world. In 1947, it voted against the UNs partition plan for Palestine. It was also among the first countries to recognize the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This approach, however, seems long-gone today, following the Indian premiers visit to the region. Modi concluded his visit to the region without even visiting Ramallah, a basic gesture of goodwill expected of any foreign dignitary visiting Israel. Modi was elected Prime Minister after portraying himself as an Indian nationalist and a free-market reformer. Part of these reforms, it now becomes clear, was the breaking away from India’s pro-Palestinian past. Under Modi’s premiership, Israel has become one of India’s largest arms provider — second only to Russia. Israeli companies have been signing multi-billion dollar deals for weapons, armaments, and missile defense systems with India. Now the Israelis are interested in taking this partnership to the next level, leveraging the 1.3 billion person-economy that India has to offer. The Indians, on their end, also have meat in the game. Modi is interested in establishing a strong Indian green energy sector, consisting of desalination plants and clean energy, where Israeli knowledge can benefit him greatly. These shared interests explain why Modi was received by Netanyahu with honor reserved for kings. India is an extremely influential player – both economically and politically – and it would mark a great victory for Israel to have it on its side. Although the Palestinians claim that they share India’s history of colonial oppression, it seems as if the tides have changed. India’s new priorities are financial, and Israel is taking advantage of these changing priorities. — Mustafa Fateh