GS-2Editorials01 July 2026thehindu.com

India’s ‘Israel habit’ meets West Asian realities

The article analyzes India's foreign policy in West Asia, particularly its deepening engagement with Israel, arguing it has become a 'habit' rather than a strategic choice. It highlights the significant geopolitical reconfigurations in the region, including Iran's demonstrated coercive capacity and shifting U.S. and European stances. The author emphasizes the economic implications for India, such as oil imports and remittances, and advocates for an independent, strategic, and non-binary approach to maintain India's credibility as a 'Vishwabandhu' and a champion of the Global South, rather than appearing aligned in regional conflicts.

The article analyzes India's foreign policy in West Asia, particularly its deepening engagement with Israel, arguing it has become a 'habit' rather than a strategic choice. It highlights the significant geopolitical reconfigurations in the region, including Iran's demonstrated coercive capacity and shifting U.S. and European stances. The author emphasizes the economic implications for India, such as oil imports and remittances, and advocates for an independent, strategic, and non-binary approach to maintain India's credibility as a 'Vishwabandhu' and a champion of the Global South, rather than appearing aligned in regional conflicts.

Exam linkage

GS Paper 2: International Relations - India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Syllabus mapping

International RelationsGeopolitics & International ConflictsIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryFreedom StruggleWorld HistoryIndian Society Diversity