"Crazy Love, Realpolitik"
I write this as someone who watches geopolitics with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Recently, Israel’s prime minister described India’s support with a phrase that many newsrooms have repeated and debated: a kind of "crazy love" that—he said—stood out even as parts of the world were talking about the "delegitimisation" of Israel. That comment crystallises a larger tension: deep bilateral warmth between New Delhi and Jerusalem, set against an increasingly fraught international debate over the conduct and consequences of Israel’s policies.
What he meant by "crazy love" (context and intent)
When a leader uses emotive words like "crazy love," the immediate purpose is rhetorical: to thank, to shore up goodwill, and to underline an exceptional relationship. Reporters noted the phrase in the context of public expressions of gratitude toward India for political and diplomatic backing (reported widely by international outlets) (BBC), (Reuters). Politically, such language signals more than gratitude — it conveys a political narrative that India’s support is not transactional but deep and steadfast.
That said, the phrase also invites criticism: opponents interpret it as triumphalism or as an appeal that downplays legitimate international concerns. Supporters see it as honest acknowledgement of a rare friendship in uncomfortable times.
Why India has stood by Israel
India’s support is multi-layered and pragmatic. Key reasons include:
Strategic and defence cooperation: India and Israel have developed a robust defence and technology partnership — from surveillance and aerospace systems to counterterrorism cooperation. These ties are seen as concrete contributions to India’s security needs (The Hindu / Times of India reporting has covered this defence cooperation extensively).
Economic and technological linkages: Trade in defence, high-tech, agriculture, and start-up collaboration has grown steadily — not just symbolic diplomacy but tangible exchange.
Diaspora and people-to-people ties: Indian and Israeli businesses, academics, and civil society actors maintain long-standing connections, supporting political goodwill.
Domestic politics: Indian political leaders calculate domestic public opinion, coalition dynamics, and electoral constituencies; a firm posture toward Israel can play well with certain voter segments and political narratives.
Together, these factors help explain why India has offered unusually robust support even as some international actors express sharper criticism.
What critics mean by "delegitimisation"
The term "delegitimisation" is used by Israeli officials to describe actions and campaigns they say undercut Israel’s right to exist or to defend itself. Critics who talk about international "delegitimisation" point to:
- United Nations debates and resolutions that have been critical of Israeli policies (often cited in diplomatic reporting) (UN reporting summaries).
- BDS and civil-society campaigns that target Israeli institutions economically and culturally (covered by major outlets).
- Strong verbal condemnations and diplomatic moves by several EU members, Turkey, Qatar, and others expressing concern over civilian harm and proportionality in conflict responses (reported by international press).
Observers on the other side argue that criticism — whether by states, NGOs, or rights groups — is often aimed at specific policies, practices, or military actions rather than existence as a state. The line between policy critique and "delegitimisation" is therefore fiercely contested, and different actors define it differently (The Guardian; Al Jazeera analysis).
Reactions inside India
Within India, reactions have been mixed:
The government and many commentators framed India’s position as principled support for Israel’s security and for counterterrorism cooperation, while also expressing concern for civilian suffering.
Political opposition and parts of civil society have urged restraint and a more balanced approach that acknowledges humanitarian concerns and international law. Media and public debate reflect this plurality (Times of India; The Indian Express commentary).
Global reactions: US, EU, Arab states
United States: The US remains a key interlocutor; Washington typically supports Israel’s security while pressing for proportionality and for diplomatic solutions. US administrations often balance strong security backing with calls to limit civilian harm (coverage in US outlets).
European Union: Several EU states have been more openly critical on humanitarian grounds; EU institutions press for compliance with international humanitarian law and emphasise multilateral diplomacy.
Arab states: Reactions vary. Some Arab governments have criticised Israeli actions and supported Palestinian rights in public fora; others — particularly those that have normalised ties with Israel — have adopted more nuanced or quiet diplomatic stances (regional reporting and analyses).
Implications for Israel–India ties and regional geopolitics
India’s backing strengthens bilateral ties in defence, technology, and diplomatic coordination. It could also encourage deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as energy, water-tech, and cyber security.
Regionally, stronger Israel–India alignment may complicate India’s relations with West Asian partners and with constituencies at home sensitive to Palestinian suffering. It could also shift some regional fault lines by nudging other states to clarify their stances.
Risks and future outlook
Diplomatic friction: Continued unilateral or heavily partisan support can alienate other partners and reduce India’s perceived neutrality in regional disputes.
Domestic political cost: If humanitarian crises deepen, domestic pressure may grow for a more balanced Indian posture.
Strategic payoff: Conversely, deeper defence and tech ties could yield significant security dividends for India.
The outlook depends on whether leadership in both capitals can balance narrow diplomatic solidarity with sensitivity to international legal norms and humanitarian optics.
Conclusion
The phrase "crazy love" captures the emotional register of a high-stakes diplomatic friendship — but emotional rhetoric cannot substitute for careful, rules-based diplomacy. India’s support for Israel reflects strategic interests and relationships built over decades, while global concerns about conduct and legitimacy will continue to shape how other states respond. The challenge for both countries is to convert rhetorical solidarity into partnerships that respect international norms and reduce regional frictions.
What do you think: can strategic partnership and international accountability coexist without undermining either partner’s security interests?
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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