History has moments when established currents break, demanding new calculations. The formal recognition of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal on September 22, 2025, followed swiftly by France, represents one such historic pivot in Western diplomacy. This move challenges traditional alliances with Israel and signals a profound shift in global politics. It is not merely a change in foreign policy; it is evidence of the fracturing of the US-centric Western moral framework.
With this wave of recognition, the total number of countries recognizing Palestine has surpassed 150. While Arab, Asian, and African nations have long been part of this consensus, the addition of major European powers like France and the UK marks a decisive break from the past. Le Monde captured the moment, commenting, "This is the moment Europe refused to be a follower of American diplomacy and rediscovered its moral spine."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted with predictable fury: "You are rewarding terrorism. A Palestinian state will never be established." His outburst reflects not just security concerns, but a palpable fear of isolation. In contrast, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the move as a "victory of right over wrong," echoing the language of 20th-century anti-colonial struggles.

The Cracks in Western Unity

The symbolic weight of Britain—the author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration that paved the way for Israel's creation—now recognizing Palestine cannot be overstated. Close allies like Canada and Australia are now pursuing independent diplomatic tracks. Portugal, alongside other European nations, has joined a growing chorus, signaling that the West no longer speaks with one voice. As the Israeli newspaper Haaretz noted, "This is no longer just a question about Palestine; it is a question about Western unity."
All eyes are now on Spain, Italy, and Germany. Should these EU heavyweights follow suit, it would deal a massive diplomatic blow to Israel and represent a significant failure of American foreign policy. The White House has already dismissed the recognitions as "unhelpful and untimely," with a senior US spokesperson stating, "We believe a Palestinian state should be achieved through negotiations, not unilateral recognition." This stance, however, appears increasingly isolated. The Guardian editorialized this as "a moment of liberation from the ghost of colonialism."

The Trump Effect and European Pushback

The roots of this Western schism lie in the foreign policy of former President Donald Trump. His demands for NATO members to "pay up," trade wars, and unequivocal pro-Israel tilt significantly weakened America's global leadership. His statement, "I can’t afford to provide security to you forever," sowed deep distrust among allies. European nations have since initiated independent security and diplomatic initiatives. Palestine’s recognition is the most potent symbol of this strategic autonomy. The Financial Times observed, "Trump's 'America First' policy is ultimately resulting in 'America Alone.'"

India's Balancing Act: Friendship and Principle

India has consistently supported Palestinian rights while deepening its strategic partnership with Israel. This balancing act is an extension of a tradition upheld by leaders from Nehru to Manmohan Singh, but the Modi government has taken it to a new level of sophistication.
On July 4, 2017, a joint op-ed by Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu in the Times of India declared: "Our two nations are complex. Much like a yoga posture that simultaneously grounds us and elevates us, we face numerous challenges together." This metaphor of ‘yogic balance’ laid a new foundation for the relationship.
Yet, just six months later, on February 10, 2018, Modi was in Ramallah. Paying homage at the tomb of Yasser Arafat, he called it an "unforgettable experience." Standing beside President Mahmoud Abbas, he affirmed, "India hopes to see a sovereign, independent, viable state of Palestine living in peace." He emphasized India’s development contributions as "building blocks for a viable Palestinian state." Modi thus became the first Indian PM to visit both Israel and Palestine, embodying India's de-hyphenated policy.

A Record of Principle, A Reality of Partnership

India’s pro-Palestine stance is deeply historical. In the decade preceding the 2017 Jerusalem vote (2007-2017), India voted against Israel and for Palestine in all 21 relevant UN General Assembly resolutions. This consistent record underscores a principled position that transcends political parties.
This principle was tested in December 2017 when the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. When a subsequent UN Security Council resolution condemning the move was vetoed by the US, India supported a similar resolution in the General Assembly days later, voting alongside 127 nations against only 9. This pattern continued on November 14, 2023, when India voted for a resolution condemning Israeli settlements.
The 2023 vote clearly disappointed Netanyahu’s government. An Israeli official told The Times of Israel, "We are disappointed with India's decision... Friendship is tested in difficult times." This created a discernible micro-tension, a new cautiousness in bilateral dealings.
However, the imperative of practical cooperation prevailed. In a classic demonstration of realpolitik, defence and technology collaboration continued unabated. In January 2024, a $120 million deal for Israeli naval drones proceeded. Agreements on agriculture, air defence systems, and cyber-security followed throughout 2024. India’s stance was clear: "Buying weapons is a necessity, not an ideology." Israel’s was equally pragmatic: "Selling to a customer is business."

The Roots of India's Position

This position is rooted in India’s history. Nehru spoke of peace having "no alternative." Indira Gandhi championed Palestinian rights in 1982. Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared in 1977 that Israel must "vacate occupied Arab land." Manmohan Singh reiterated India's support for a "sovereign, independent, viable" Palestine at the UN in 2007.
However, under Modi, this balance faces new pressures. Domestic political currents have fostered a warmer public embrace of Israel. While official policy remains consistent, public pronouncements are often more guarded, creating a perception of strategic ambiguity.

A New Global Equation and India's Challenge

As the US appears increasingly isolated, China and Russia are poised to fill the vacuum. A Carnegie Moscow Center expert noted, "Every Western crack on Palestine becomes cement for Russian leadership in the Global South." Japan’s Asahi Shimbun called this "the birth of a multipolar world."
India now faces a critical choice reminiscent of 1948 when Truman recognized Israel. Does it align with the emerging Western consensus on Palestine, or does it stick to its carefully crafted, if increasingly strained, balancing act?
This balancing act is defined by India's official, long-standing policy. The Ministry of External Affairs unequivocally states India's support for "a negotiated two State solution, and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel." This principled stance is consistently backed by tangible humanitarian action. In the last decade alone, this has included a $50 million Line of Credit for development projects, $39 million in direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority, and $40 million in contributions to UNRWA. More recently, India supplied 70 metric tons of humanitarian aid, including medicines, and has supported several Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) focused on infrastructure and community development.
The Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish wrote of suffering from an "incurable disease—hope." Today, that hope thrives not just in Ramallah and Gaza, but in London, Ottawa, Canberra, and Lisbon.
India must now move beyond diplomatic ambiguity and adopt a clear moral stance. Mere strategic hedging will not enhance its global stature. When the West itself is recognizing Palestine, India’s historical responsibility to stand unequivocally for a just solution has never been greater. The world is changing; the question is, will India lead or follow?

Email:--------------------------------editoronkar@gmail.com