Though realism suggests India cannot directly influence the evolution of the Syrian situation, India must more actively partake in the international debate on Syria and step up its political engagement with all major states in the region, said experts at a brainstorming on Syria.
Though realism suggests India cannot directly influence the evolution of the Syrian situation or the policies of others involved, as a major power with stakes in defending international norms and stabilising the West Asian region, India must more actively partake in the international debate on Syria, step up its political engagement with all major states in the region, and collaborate with as many states as possible in bringing an end to this tragic civil war.
This was pointed by almost all discussants at a brainstorming session on " The Syrian Civil: Implications for India" organised by Observer Research Foundation and the West Asia and North Africa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The discussants said the Syrian civil war has also raised questions of international law on the use of force, the role of the UNSC, and the applications of such principles as humanitarian interventions and the Responsibility to Protect.
They said there are several geopolitical implications for India including regional stability, Energy security, the sectarian divide refracting into the Subcontinent, and the empowerment of extremist groups like the Al Qaeda.
They said a prolonged conflict in Syria raises the spectre of partition and threatens to undermine the current territorial system in West Asia. This will have severe geopolitical consequences for India.
Setting a high bar on proving state culpability in relation to the violation of international norms can be deeply counterproductive for India, they noted, pointing out that India is a victim of international terrorism and has rejected attempts by states to deny responsibility for acts of cross border violence originating from their soil.
Given the presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in its own neighbourhood and reports of extremist groups trying to get hold of them, India should pay attention to WMD terrorism, the participants said.
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