When India always opposed partition of Palestine then what made India to recognize Israel and support partition on basis of religion?

When India always opposed partition of Palestine then what made India to recognize Israel and support partition on basis of religion?

India has friendly relations with both Palestine and Israel. Both these countries understand our position pretty well. We support the cause of Palestine. We have excellent relations with Israel and cooperate in various strategic places.

I recommend that all of you visit www.mea.gov.in and go to the country briefs to learn more about our relations with any country you want. That would give you a lot of clarity.

It is a perfect example of India's policy shift from idealism to realism.

As i said earlier, nothing is a constant in IR. If it is in my interest, I will change. Self-interest rules, Simple. We all subscribe to universal goodness of Human Rights, humanitarian assistance etc. we have continued to support Palestine, provided it with assistance and support even in the UN.

That does not stop us from developing good relations with Israel. We always support dialogue as a process for resolution of any crisis, we do not support violence and war. When there is a humanitarian crisis, we have always intervened to provide succor. So we should not confuse between our positions and events.

Right from Balfour declaration (when UK promised the Jews to give them a separate nation of Israel) to the current day, India's support for the Palestinian cause has remained a constant.

The way in which we have supported Palestine has changed over the years.

Earlier, we used to strongly condemn Israel when it attacked Israel. But now the tone has become softer, for practical considerations. Israel has become the largest arms supplier to India. Especially after kargil when Israeli help came in handy to India, we have moved closer to Israel. That is why when opposition parties wanted to move a resolution in the parliament condemning Israeli raid on Gaza last year, our government refused. We still advocate Palestinian cause, but we don't want to offend Israelis either.

India supports a united, independent, viable, sovereign state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secured and recognized borders "side by side" at peace with Israel

Yes.

In diplomacy- neutrality is still a very much potent tool than pro and against

That was the bedrock of non-aligned movement.

Neutrality is not the word!!

More than neutrality strategic national interest!!!

U r right!

Neutrality is non participation in world affairs, like the swiss. Non alignment is a positive concept where we take a stance based on the merit of the issue, without fear or favour.

Sir but isn't it being hypocrite for rejecting two nation theory at home and recognizing in international affairs by recognizing Israel?

Hypocrisy is the breakfast for IR, sometimes also becomes the lunch and dinner.

Let us not bring morality into IR. Self-interest is the guiding principle.

While we would never openly admit it and always wax eloquent about morality, decisions are always taken on self-interest.

As Adam Smith said, if everyone looks after their self-interest, then the world's interest will be looked after, provided, certain basic international norms are followed.

And that is where the universal mechanisms come into play to keep all the nations in check.

While answering Q's on India stance like Palestine or patent laws pressure by US... what kind of approach would be suitable in our answers?

While i would leave it to you to formulate, just remember that self interest guides, we are a responsible country with great traditions and continuity in foreign policy has been the hallmark of our IR, although from time to time we need to adjust it to suit the situation