Ineffectiveness of the UN in recent war
The UN was brought into existence (after WW 2) by those who played an important role in the aftermath of the war.
They became the permanent members of the Security Council (UNSC).
Over the years, the UN gained universal membership; nearly all the countries in the world became party to it.
These criteria were seen also in the coming into being of the World Trade Organization.
The equations of power are not permanent.
They change eventually, that is how legitimacy gets eroded.
Post the Cold War, we saw a gradual decline in the ability of the UN to undertake any kind of meaningful roles.
The Israel crisis is just one of them.
Over the last two-three decades, the UN has been like a bystander.
The major powers made it impossible for the UN with its frozen membership of decision-making bodies, such as the UNSC, to be able to undertake any meaningful action.
The UNSC, in its present shape, as long as the vetoes are there, does not provide any hope for addressing any international issue, where the national interests of the permanent five are in conflict.
India's position and potential role in mediating these conflicts
India’s interests in the West Asian region have grown.
We have strong ties with the Gulf Arab states and with Israel.
We have a large diaspora. In addition, we get energy supplies from the Gulf Arab states.
There are multiple factors involved here that need to be considered.
Netanyahu current coalition consists of extreme right-wing parties which do not leave him with any kind of leeway.
In 1950s, India was aligned with the “progressive states.
In 1992, India recognised Israel, but that did not detract from our essential policy of a direct bilateral inter-state relationship with each of these countries.
On October 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in a pro-Israel manner at a time when little information was available.
we are not really in a position to play a mediatory role, even though India is the head of the G20.
Because this is a game that is now being played at a much more superior level.
While we are a confident country, we have interests and we serve these interests.
While our diplomacy is active, I always believe that one should be aware of the limitations of our position and the limitations of what we can do diplomatically.
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