Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
domestic arena, especially following the allegations of bribery in arms deals,
which reduced his maneuverability.
However, the progress achieved during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure (1984-89)
helped his Foreign Minister Narasimha Rao when the latter became Prime
Minister in 1991. Rao began capitalizing on the political uncertainties following
Rajiv Gandhi's assassination during the election campaign and the unstable
political verdict. Political expediency compelled Rao to continue the policies of
his Congress predecessors, especially Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv. At the
same time, the economic crisis, which compelled Rao to seek international
financial assistance and introduce economic liberalization, made him recognize
the need to modernize and improve foreign policy.
In a major departure from the past, on 16 December 1991 India voted with the
majority in repealing the 1975 UN General Assembly resolution that equated
Zionism with racism. As India was one of the original supporters of the infamous
resolution, Rao's decision signaled a new approach toward Israel. Despite
criticisms from opposition ranks over 'abandonment' of the traditional support
for the Arabs, Rao continued the path of normalization and initiated formal
diplomat contacts with Israel. And pursuing the path to its logical conclusion on
29 January 1992, India announced the establishment of normal diplomatic
relations with Israel.
NORMALIZATION AND AFTER
Regional as well as domestic factors enabled Rao to reverse the prolonged
unsympathetic attitude toward Israel. The inauguration of the Madrid conference
in October 1991 significantly reduced the negative implications of opening up to
Israel. The Middle East peace process symbolized the desire of both parties to
seek a political solution to the protracted Arab-Israeli conflict through direct
negotiations. In certain ways, the Palestinian willingness to co-exist with Israel
vindicated India's desire for a peaceful and amicable resolution of the conflict.
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When the PLO itself was willing to accept Israel's existence and conduct
negotiations with the Zionist state, there was no compelling reason for India to
be more Catholic than the Pope. In the 1970s, the Egypt-Israel peace did provide
an opportunity for India to reverse its Israel policy but Arab opposition to
President Anwar Sadat's separate peace with Israel scuttled any room for
maneuver. Matters were rather different in 1992 when even predominantly
'confrontationist' states like Syria had recognized the need to come to terms with
Israel and seek a negotiated settlement based on mutual recognition and
coexistence.
The end of the Cold War accompanied by the disintegration and eventual
disappearance of the Soviet Union also dealt a severe blow to ideological
opposition toward Israel. Even though India's anti-Israeli policy had not evolved
