Israel has officially approached India, urging it to declare Hamas a terrorist organization. Indian media has begun reporting on this development, highlighting how Israel is increasing pressure on India to take a definitive stance against Hamas. This request comes amid reports that Hamas leaders have been attending events in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), where they have allegedly made anti-India statements and collaborated with Pakistani groups.
Hamas and Its Growing Influence in PoK
Recent reports suggest that militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have invited Hamas officials to PoK, raising concerns about potential radicalization in the region. Traditionally active in the Gaza Strip, Hamas’ presence in PoK raises serious questions about its expanding influence and possible alliances with other militant organizations.
Israel views this as a direct threat, emphasizing that Hamas is now being supported by groups that have long been hostile to India. Given this development, Israel argues that it is in India’s interest to formally designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Countries That Have Declared Hamas a Terrorist Organization
Many countries, including Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and the European Union, have already declared Hamas a terrorist organization. However, India has not yet taken a similar step.
Israel’s insistence on India declaring Hamas a terrorist outfit is also linked to its larger geopolitical strategy. The country aims to completely dismantle Hamas in Gaza and has been pushing for the United Nations to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, several countries, including members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), China, and Russia, have opposed such a move.
Why Israel Considers India’s Stance Important
Israel sees India as a key global player and believes that India’s support could help influence the international community. If India were to officially classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, it could strengthen Israel’s case at the UN.
This request from Israel is not new. Since 2021, Israel has been urging India to take this step, and the pressure has only intensified in recent months, especially with Hamas’ involvement in PoK. Given India’s strategic interests, Israel argues that recognizing Hamas as a terrorist group would align with India’s own security concerns.
Challenges India Faces in Declaring Hamas a Terrorist Organization
Despite the pressure, India faces several challenges in making such a declaration:
1. Domestic Sensitivities – A significant section of India’s population does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization. This includes political leaders and public figures who view Hamas as a resistance movement against Israel. A recent example is Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who faced backlash for referring to Hamas as a terrorist group at a pro-Palestine rally in Kerala.
2. Geopolitical Considerations – India maintains strong diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. Declaring Hamas a terrorist organization could strain ties with key OIC nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
3. China and Russia’s Support for Hamas – Russia has hosted Hamas delegations multiple times in Moscow, while China has facilitated unity talks between Hamas and other Palestinian groups. If India takes a hard stance against Hamas, it could impact its broader diplomatic engagements with these major global powers.
4. Strategic Autonomy – India has traditionally followed a balanced foreign policy approach. Taking a firm stance against Hamas might align with Israeli interests, but it could also limit India’s flexibility in dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict.
What Lies Ahead for India?
With Hamas becoming more involved in PoK, India faces a tough decision. Ignoring Hamas’ presence in the region could be seen as a security risk, but officially designating it as a terrorist organization could have far-reaching diplomatic consequences.
Israel, on its part, has supported India’s stance against Pakistan-based terror groups. In 2023, Israel officially declared Lashkar-e-Taiba a terrorist organization, citing its involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where several Israelis were also targeted. Given this precedent, Israel expects India to reciprocate by taking a clear position against Hamas.
The coming months will be crucial in determining India’s next steps. Will India give in to Israeli pressure and declare Hamas a terrorist outfit, or will it continue its careful balancing act in global diplomacy?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Do you think India should follow Israel’s request, or would such a move complicate India’s geopolitical and domestic situation?