Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, I wrote several articles putting forth two arguments.

First, that global and many regional geopolitical plates are experiencing tectonic shifts. Second, that Indian foreign policy is demonstrating two traits: a strongly independent strain, and a recalibration of the balance — on a case by case assessment that includes Ukraine — between the traditional principles and strategic interests of a self-confident India — an emerging major player in Asian and global affairs.

With an uncharacteristically firm statement on the current crisis engulfing Israel and Gaza, the realist component of India’s foreign policy under the Modi government may finally be said to have come of age. Shortly after news broke of the unprecedented Hamas attacks by land, sea and air that brought the war inside Israel’s home front on Saturday, the Times of India reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condemned the murderous assault, citing a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”