India's Diplomatic Offensive
Economic compulsions are very important constraints of diplomacy. Due to these economic compulsions UK could not impose trade sanctions against South Africa . The economic compulsions force us to do so many things and though India has not compromised much on this account, many countries have virtually sold off their policy making to the US. The economic factors forced China to extend an olive branch to the US and the foreign policy of most of the third world countries today is victim of these economic compulsions.
But apparently the most important compulsions are the military factors coupled with geographical locations. Soviet Union became India's trusted friend because of our military compulsions and China could cheat us because of geographical proximity. Ultimately military factors are the most important in shaping the diplomacy of every country because all exercises are actually meant to ensure survival. Having outlined the general framework of diplomacy we now proceed on to analyze the details of diplomacy that will have to be carried out if India is to emerge as a global power. Certain unorthodox propositions may come up but they are essential, in view of the prevailing world situation and our compulsions.
Not only full diplomatic relations but a treaty of friendship and co-operation with Israel is very necessary. The Israelis are a historically oppressed people. No people have suffered like them. We can not deny them the right to exist. Their present behaviour is only a manifestation of the feeling of insecurity. Not only the Arab world detests their existence and vows to put an end to it, the policies of countries like India also was tantamount to not recognizing the rights of the people of Israel. This type of a situation can not bring peace to the world and no solution can be reached. While recognizing the rights of Palestinians, we can not turn a blind eye to the rights of the Israelis.
A meaningful atmosphere for any negotiations is necessary and in this case our mediation in the current imbroglio is called for. The Palestinian home land cannot be built on the ruins of the Israeli state. To conceive such things is unrealistic and any effort to wipe out Israel may result in the worst holocaust for mankind. Hence all those who think that Israel can be destroyed, should get rid of the notion. Then apparently anything involving Israel can not be decided without the participation of Israel. We must understand how disadvantageous it was for us not to have full diplomatic relations with Israel. By declaring Israel untouchable, not only we chose a path which led us now here, we are even now losing the goodwill of Israel in not coming out in its support emphatically during the continuing violence in the west bank and Gaza despite Israeli prime minister's letter to the prime minister.
If we want to make any worthwhile contribution to the cause of Palestine, we must have good relations with Israel. Only then we can bring the warring parties to the negotiations table and some agreement may be reached. By keeping away from Israel we are in fact becoming guilty of encouraging the suicidal approach of Palestinians. The Palestinians are misguided and frustrated. The Arabs themselves do not want any settlement it seems, though they may pretend otherwise. The causes are known to everyone. If the Palestinians are settled, their educated and progressive people may become a danger to the medieval Arab monarchies. Thus the Arab countries are not really interested in any welfare of the people of Palestine, Countries like Syria are only too happy to encroach into the Lebanese territory and they will be happy only if the Palestinians keep fighting the Israelis. Libya can support the Palestinian youth who are highly motivated in the name of their country but this support is practically very conditional, is actually aimed against the US. The global power phenomenon is really strange but we must not fire from other's shoulders. Similarly the super powers do not have any interest in solving the problem of Palestine and thus correct advice should not be expected from them either.
India on the other hand has very different policies. India has never been cynical to the light of any people in the world. India's intentions have always been every honest though they might not have been appreciated to the same extent even by those for whom India has most tender feelings. We must continue with our honest efforts to achieve an egalitarian world. If India becomes the leader of the world, most of the problem on this earth will be solved because our will is impartial, consistent and true. Hence there are many problem where only India can offer a correct solution and make the parties agree to it. The Israeli problem is one such problem, where only India can help. But we must give justice to Israel also. There can be no reason why those people should be uprooted. Only by having good relations with Israel we can convince them of our good aims and persuade them to accept the existence of Palestine.
The main problem is that of territory. From where the territory should come to give a homeland to both the Palestinians and the Israelis is the main issue. We can persuade all the concerned parties to make some sacrifices.
