India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Through Egypt

25 Oct 2023

Recently, India sent its first humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza via Egypt after Indian Prime Minister spoke to Palestinian President to convey condolences for civilian lives lost at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.

Key Points

India's Humanitarian Aid: India dispatched a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, consisting of an IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material.
The aid includes essential medical supplies, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets.
Palestinian Response: The Palestinian Ambassador to India, expressed gratitude for India's initiative, emphasizing the critical need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
He also highlighted the necessity of political support from India to end the siege of Gaza.
Aid Convoy to Gaza: A humanitarian aid convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing with Egypt, providing food supplies and medicines.
However, Gaza still faces a critical shortage of fuel, which is vital for its 2.3 million residents.
Ongoing Conflict: Israeli air raids continued across the Gaza Strip, with residents urged to relocate from the southern areas.
India's Diplomatic Stance: Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's position on the Israel-Palestine issue during conversations with both President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing concern about civilian casualties and emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
India's Diplomatic Challenge: India faced the diplomatic challenge of balancing its deep strategic ties with Israel and its relations with other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, and Egypt.
Official Statements: India officially condemned the terrorist attack on Israel while advocating for the resumption of direct negotiations for a sovereign, independent State of Palestine.
The Indian government also expressed concern about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation, urging strict observance of international humanitarian law.

India – Palestine Relation: Background

Evolution of Relationship

India's support for the Palestinian cause is a key element of its foreign policy.
In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
In 1988, India was among the first countries to recognize the Palestinian State.
In 1996, India established its Representative Office in Gaza, later relocating it to Ramallah in 2003.

Support at Multilateral Fora

India actively advocates for the Palestinian cause in multilateral forums.
India consistently supports, co-sponsors, and votes in favor of UN General Assembly Resolutions, including the right to self-determination for Palestinians and urging Israel's compliance with legal obligations.
India supported Palestine's full membership in UNESCO in 2011.

Important Bilateral Visits and Political Interactions

Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Palestine in February 2018 marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
Late President Yasser Arafat made multiple visits to India, while President Mahmoud Abbas visited India several times, including in 2017 during his third State Visit.

Developmental Cooperation

India has provided around US$ 141 million in various forms of developmental cooperation assistance to Palestine.
India also contributed US$ 39 million in budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority.
In July 2021, India extended a USD 50 Million Line of Credit for developmental and sustainable projects.
Notable development projects include the Palestine-India Techno-Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Library at Al Azhar University, and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre.
Currently, eight developmental projects are in progress, focusing on areas like higher diplomacy, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)

In 2021-22, India executed four Quick Impact Projects, including the rehabilitation of Yasser Arafat Square and initiatives in education and childcare.

Bilateral Trade

Trade between India and Palestine is conducted through Israel, and comprehensive trade statistics are not readily available.
The annual bilateral trade volume was USD 67.77 million in 2020, with Indian exports and imports amounting to USD 67.17 million and USD 0.6 million, respectively.

Training and Capacity Building

India offers 50 ICCR scholarships for Palestinian students annually, covering various academic levels.
Indian Technical & Economic Co-operation (ITEC) provides 168 training slots to Palestine each year for capacity building and skill enhancement.

IBSA Cooperation

The India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund has financed four projects in Palestine, totaling approximately US$ 5 million.

UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

India supports Palestine and Palestinian refugees through contributions to UNRWA.
India has been a member of UNRWA's Advisory Commission since 2020 and contributed a total of US$ 36.5 million till 2022-23.

Cultural Relations

In 2014, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in the Garden of Nations in Ramallah.
An Indian Cultural Week, organized in collaboration with ICCR and the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, took place in November 2021, strengthening cultural ties.

Evolution of India’s Policy on Israel and Palestine

Post-1948

In 1948, India was the only non-Arab state among 13 countries that voted against the UN partition plan, leading to Israel's creation.
In 1975, India recognized the PLO as the sole representative of Palestinians, allowing it to open an office in Delhi.
In 1988, when the PLO declared an independent state of Palestine, India granted immediate recognition.

Post-1992

India normalized ties with Israel in 1992, ending its earlier stance.

Until 2017

India supported a two-state solution, endorsing a sovereign, independent, viable, and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace with Israel.

Post-2017

India removed references to East Jerusalem and borders in 2017.
In 2018, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ramallah, India reaffirmed its position, but without direct mention of borders or Jerusalem.