New Delhi:
In 1957, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a pitstop at Syrian capital Damascus, on his technique to the United States. India and Syria had established diplomatic relations seven years earlier, and to mark that friendship, a avenue in Damascus’ historic Ummayad Square was named ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Street’. Over the a long time, this relationship has weathered many political storms and wars, nonetheless, with the autumn of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, questions are being raised about what the brand new India-Syria relationship will appear to be.
Shared Principles
Syria, underneath the Assad household – first Hafez al-Assad and later Bashar al-Assad – has persistently supported India on crucial points, notably concerning Kashmir. While many Islamic nations rallied round Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, Syria was one of many few nations that stood aside, typically voicing its help for India’s sovereignty. The Assads’ secular governance aligned with India’s personal ideas, creating a robust basis for collaboration.
Even after India revoked Article 370 in 2019, which granted Jammu and Kashmir particular autonomy, the Syrian authorities unequivocally described it as India’s “inner matter”.
Riad Abbas, Syria’s envoy to New Delhi on the time, expressed unflinching help: “Every authorities has the appropriate to do no matter it likes on its land to guard its individuals. We are all the time with India on any motion.”
Threat Of A New Order
Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, which may result in the resurgence of extremist teams in Syria, presents challenges for India. During the peak of ISIS’s energy, Syria – bolstered by Russian and Iranian help – dismantled the fear group’s affect. A vacuum in Syrian management may see extremist teams regaining momentum, with implications far past the Middle East.
For India, the revival of such teams, together with ISIS, poses a direct safety problem.
On the present political turmoil, India has urged for a “Syria-led” course of to convey peace.
“We are monitoring the scenario in Syria within the gentle of on-going developments. We underline the necessity for all events to work in direction of preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceable and inclusive Syrian-led political course of respecting the pursuits and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society. Our Embassy in Damascus is involved with the Indian group, for his or her security and safety,” the international ministry mentioned in a press release.
India’s Diplomatic Stance
India has persistently championed a Syrian-led decision to the battle in accordance with United Nations Security Council. India has maintained its embassy in Damascus, even in the course of the peak of Syria’s civil warfare.
New Delhi has traditionally supported Syria’s claims over the Golan Heights – contested by Israel. In 2010, former President Pratibha Patil visited Damascus and reiterated that stance.
“India has persistently supported all simply Arab causes. I want to reiterate India’s unwavering help for an enduring and complete peace to the Middle East drawback, primarily based on related UN resolutions. I might additionally wish to reiterate our robust help for Syria’s reputable proper to the Golan Heights, and for its very early and full return to Syria,” Ms Patil had mentioned.
Economic And Cultural Ties
Beyond diplomacy, financial and cultural exchanges have been a cornerstone of India-Syria relations.
In 2003, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Syria and signed MoUs on biotechnology, small industries, and schooling. India offered a $25 million line of credit score and a $1 million grant for a biotechnology centre in Damascus.
In 2008, Bashar al-Assad visited India, the place he endorsed plans for agricultural cooperation and research on Syria’s phosphate sources. India provided to determine an IT Center of Excellence in Syria.
Last 12 months, former Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, met with Bashar al-Assad and mentioned bilateral ties.
Trade between the 2 nations has additionally flourished. Indian exports to Syria have included textiles, equipment, and prescription drugs, whereas imports have targeted on uncooked supplies reminiscent of rock phosphate and cotton.