India deftly walks tightrope for West Asia peace-building

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj meets Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas at Ramallah, West Bank. — AFP

India is striking a delicate balance in West Asia between several nations, Palestine and Israel, the US and Russia, and Saudi Arabia and Iran. In a significant statement, India said that after almost five years of the “Arab Spring” in the region, “the earlier exaggerated expectations of progress towards democracy have turned out to be misplaced” and that “developments over the last few years have exacerbated the regional fault lines”.

Declaring that it was not in the business of exporting democracy, New Delhi said it “believes that the US remains an important player for regional stability”, adding that “the safety of the 39 Indian nationals in ISIS captivity in Iraq remains a matter of foremost concern”.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is already in Manama, Bahrain, to attend the first India-Arab league ministerial meeting.

Addressing a conference on West Asia here, the MEA secretary (East) said, “Despite ever-changing political environment, our bilateral relations with virtually all countries of the region have been progressing. India acknowledges that the political future discourse has to be determined without any external interference and while we are not in the business of exporting democracy, promotion of such values may help. For that, we must avoid negative fallout of conflict in our own country.”

The MEA added, “India remains cautious that our approach should not be misconstrued as being partisan or sectarian, as India has stayed out of any regional alliance based on sectarian or other considerations.”

Indicating the Modi government’s full support for the Palestinian cause while having good relations with Israel, the MEA said, “India supports a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue, leading to a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure borders, side-by-side, at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and relevant UNSC Resolutions. We have called on both sides to resume the stalled peace process. In fact, Palestine was the first destination of Ms Swaraj’s visit to West Asia, reflecting its importance. On his regional tour to Jordan, Palestine and Israel a few months back, President Pranab Mukherjee articulated India’s support for Palestine. Apart from strong political support, India has also been contributing economic and developmental assistance to Palestine.”

On the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the MEA said, “After almost five years of ‘Arab Spring’ in the region, the earlier exaggerated expectations of progress towards democracy have turned out to be misplaced. The year has begun with an escalation of rivalry in the Gulf region with Saudi Arabia and Iran severing diplomatic ties, which does not augur well for the region as a whole.”

On the role of the US and Russia, New Delhi said, “As for the external players, India believes that US, despite its pivot towards Asia-Pacific region, remains an important player for regional stability (i.e. fight against ISIS, security of Israel). The Russian entry in Syria, has boosted prospects of the regime in Damascus and war against ISIS.”

On Syria, the MEA said, “India is deeply concerned at the ongoing violence in Syria. We support the UN-backed political settlement of the Syrian people, believing that there can be no military solution to the crisis. Despite global efforts, the ISIS continues to control territories in Iraq, Syria and northern Africa.”

The government also said it “is committed to protect the interests of Indian expatriates in the Gulf and Middle East.”

On Iran, the MEA said, “India has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue as it addresses a contentious issue through peaceful negotiations and mutual agreement.”