India’s swift and unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s recent bombing in Doha, labeling it a “violation of sovereignty,” marks a noticeable departure from its typically more restrained reactions to similar Israeli operations in other nations. This has prompted observers to question whether New Delhi is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to the ongoing West Asian crisis.
However, experts suggest that while the strong language reflects growing concern over escalating civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict, India’s robust response is primarily driven by its deep-seated bilateral ties with Qatar and the wider Gulf region. This relationship is arguably prioritized over a broader assertion of sovereignty and territorial integrity principles. This distinction has gained particular relevance in light of India’s concerns regarding a mutual defense agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in Riyadh.
India’s official statements regarding the September 9 bombing by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Doha, which targeted a residence where Hamas leaders were reportedly discussing a United States ceasefire proposal, described the actions as threatening regional and global peace, stability, and security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, which killed five individuals (though no senior Hamas figures), by asserting that Qatar “harbors and funds” Hamas operatives, thereby justifying the attacks.
India’s Ambassador to the United Nations Mission in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, articulated New Delhi’s position at the UN Human Rights Council, stating, “India is deeply concerned about the recent attacks in Doha and their impact on the security situation in the region. We unequivocally condemn the violation of the sovereignty of Qatar.” Bagchi further underscored the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international law, adding that “Any escalation must be avoided, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be upheld.” This statement echoed earlier remarks from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and a direct communication from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing solidarity with the Qatari people.
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These pronouncements stand in stark contrast to India’s responses to previous Israeli bombings across the region, including in Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Syria, and Iran.
For instance, when Israel bombed the Iranian Embassy in Damascus last April, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed only “concern.” A similar sentiment was voiced when Israeli forces attacked a UN Peacekeeping post in Southern Lebanon. However, India maintained relative silence on other Israeli attacks in the region.
Notably, when Israeli intelligence used pager bombs against Hezbollah targets in Beirut in September 2024, India’s then-Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reportedly lauded the operation as a “masterstroke.”
India’s reactions concerning Iran, a country with which it shares close ties and has significant investments like the Chabahar port, have been particularly perplexing.
In June, India initially expressed “concern” and advocated for dialogue following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Iran subsequently retaliated against. However, New Delhi later distanced itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that condemned these strikes. In a subsequent policy reversal, India endorsed the SCO’s joint declaration on September 1, which explicitly “condemned” Israel and the U.S. for the June attacks.
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Former Ambassador to the UAE and Egypt, Navdeep Suri, explained that “India’s ties with other countries mentioned are not the same as ties with Qatar, which hosts a large Indian diaspora and benefits from strong personal relations at the highest levels between Prime Minister Modi and the Qatari Emir.” He elaborated that in today’s “transactional” geopolitical climate, reactions are often less about universal values and principles and more about the specific bilateral relationship with each country, including Israel.
The Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the apparent inconsistencies in the Modi government’s stance. Experts, however, attributed these varied positions to a mix of geopolitical, regional, and bilateral factors. Talmiz Ahmad, a former Ambassador and author of “West Asia at War,” suggested that India’s strong response to the Qatar attack had “no larger strategic purpose” beyond safeguarding its critical gas supply relationship with Qatar.
Ahmad also highlighted that Israel’s attack on Qatar has placed all Gulf countries, which historically rely on U.S. military bases and security assurances, “on notice.” He views this as indicative of a “fundamental geopolitical shift in the region” that India must acknowledge. “Israel has signaled that every Arab and Gulf country is a potential target, effectively halting the normalization process and prioritizing its operations over fostering ties with other West Asian nations. Furthermore, Israel has demonstrated that the U.S. may no longer serve as an unwavering guarantor of security for these Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,” Ahmad noted during a seminar organized by the India-America Friendship Association.
The collective apprehension among Gulf nations was evident at a recent emergency joint session of the Arab League and Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Doha. The conference condemned Israel’s actions, and the GCC pledged to develop a “joint defense mechanism” against future threats.
Moreover, India’s perceived silence on the devastating situation in Gaza, where over 65,000 people, including at least 20,000 children, have been killed by relentless Israeli bombardment, including the latest offensive on Gaza city, is reportedly straining its relations with the Arab world.
In a rare statement responding to media inquiries, the Ministry of External Affairs described the killing of journalists and civilians by the IDF as “shocking and deeply regrettable.” India also voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsing a two-state solution for Palestine. These actions suggest that despite its strong relationship with Israel, the Modi government is increasingly factoring in the broader regional dynamics and the sentiments of other Middle Eastern nations into its foreign policy considerations.