The evolving narrative:
India’s recent and robust condemnation of Israel’s bombing in Doha as a ‘violation of sovereignty’ marks a clear departure from its typically more reserved responses to similar Israeli military actions in other nations. This strong stance has prompted questions about a potential realignment in New Delhi’s approach to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Experts suggest that while the firm language reflects growing concern over the escalating civilian toll in Gaza, India’s decisive intervention is more deeply rooted in its vital bilateral relationship with Qatar and the wider Gulf region, rather than a sudden assertion of global principles of sovereignty. This nuance gains further significance in light of New Delhi’s observations regarding the mutual defence pact recently signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Why India spoke out against the Doha strike:
On September 16, India sharply criticized the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombing, which occurred on September 9, targeting a residence in Doha. This incident, where Hamas leaders were reportedly convening to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal from the United States, was labelled by India as an action that ‘threatens peace, stability and security’ across the region and globally. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, defended the strike – which unfortunately killed five individuals, though none were senior Hamas figures – by asserting its ‘justification’ due to Qatar ‘harbouring and funding’ Hamas operatives.
India’s Ambassador to the UN Mission in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, articulated New Delhi’s position before the UN Human Rights Council. “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,” he stated, invoking both the UN charter and international law. Mr. Bagchi further emphasized, “Any escalation must be avoided, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States must be upheld.” This statement echoed and reinforced earlier declarations from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as well as a direct conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani on September 10, where PM Modi expressed ‘solidarity with the Qatari people.’
A notable shift from previous reactions:
These recent statements stand in stark contrast to India’s more measured reactions to Israel’s prior bombardments in other regional countries, including Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Syria, and Iran.
For instance, when the Iranian Embassy in Damascus was bombed by Israel last April, India’s MEA conveyed ‘concern,’ a sentiment also expressed when Israeli forces attacked a UN Peacekeeping post in southern Lebanon. However, on numerous other Israeli operations against various countries, New Delhi largely maintained silence. Notably, after Israeli intelligence deployed hundreds of pager bombs against Hezbollah in Beirut in September 2024, the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi even referred to the operation as a ‘masterstroke.’ India’s responses concerning Iran, a country with whom it shares significant ties and investments like the Chabahar port, have been particularly perplexing. In June, India voiced ‘concern’ and urged dialogue following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which prompted a response from Iran. Yet, New Delhi subsequently distanced itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement condemning those very strikes. In a later diplomatic pivot, India did sign onto the SCO joint declaration on September 1, which ‘condemned’ Israel and the U.S. for the June attacks.
The special significance of Qatar:
Former Ambassador to the UAE and Egypt, Navdeep Suri, clarified that “India’s ties with the other countries mentioned are not the same as ties with Qatar, with its large Indian diaspora and personal relations at the highest levels between PM Modi and the Qatari Emir.” He elaborated, telling The Hindu, “Eventually, in an age of ‘transactionalism,’ this is not as much about values and principles as about the bilateral relationship with each of these countries, including Israel.”
The MEA has refrained from commenting directly on the Modi government’s seemingly contradictory positions. However, experts point to a confluence of geopolitical, regional, and bilateral factors. Talmiz Ahmad, former Ambassador and author of West Asia at War, noted that India’s condemnation of the Qatar attack lacked a “larger strategic purpose,” instead focusing on Qatar’s crucial role as a “supplier of gas.”
Ahmad further highlighted that Israel’s strike on Qatar has served as a warning to other Gulf nations, many of whom host U.S. military bases and rely on American security guarantees. This, he argued, signals a “fundamental geopolitical shift in the region” that India must carefully consider. He observed, “The message Israel has given is that every Arab country, every Gulf country, is within their target zone and put them all on notice. Israel has now ended the process of normalisation and made it clear that ties with other West Asian countries are not a priority over its operations. Thirdly, Israel has shown that the U.S. is no longer a guarantor of security for these GCC countries.” The palpable unease among Gulf countries was evident at a recent emergency joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Doha, which collectively condemned Israel’s actions and saw the Gulf Cooperation Council commit to forming a “joint defence mechanism” against future threats.
Implications for India’s West Asia policy:
Furthermore, India’s prolonged silence on the dire situation in Gaza — where over 65,000 lives have been lost, including at least 20,000 children, amidst relentless Israeli bombardment and the latest offensive against Gaza City — is reportedly straining its diplomatic ties with the Arab world. In an unusual public statement on August 27, the MEA described the killing of journalists and civilians by the IDF as “shocking and deeply regrettable.” India’s vote in favor of a UNGA resolution on September 12, endorsing a two-state solution for Palestine, further suggests that despite its robust relationship with Israel, the Modi government is increasingly acknowledging the necessity of factoring in the broader regional sentiment and concerns.