New Delhi:
In 1957, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a stopover in the Syrian capital Damascus on his way to the United States. India and Syria had established diplomatic ties seven years earlier, and to mark that friendship, a street in Damascus' historic Ummayad Square was named 'Jawaharlal Nehru Street'. Over the decades, this relationship has weathered many political storms and wars, but with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, questions arise about what the new relationship between India and Syria will look like.
Shared principles
Syria, under the Assad family – first Hafez al-Assad and later Bashar al-Assad – has consistently supported India on critical issues, especially regarding Kashmir. While many Muslim countries sided with Pakistan's position on Kashmir, Syria was one of the few countries that stood aside and often expressed support for India's sovereignty. The Assads' secular rule aligned with India's own principles, creating a strong basis for cooperation.
Even after India abrogated Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, in 2019, the Syrian government unequivocally described this as India's “internal matter”.
Riad Abbas, then the Syrian envoy to New Delhi, expressed his unwavering support: “Every government has the right to do whatever it wants on its land to protect its people. We always stand with India in every action.”
Threat of a new order
The demise of Bashar al-Assad, which could lead to the resurgence of extremist groups in Syria, poses challenges for India. During the height of ISIS's power, Syria – backed by Russian and Iranian support – dismantled the terror group's influence. A vacuum in Syria's leadership could allow extremist groups to regain strength, with consequences far beyond the Middle East.
For India, the resurgence of such groups, including ISIS, poses an immediate security challenge.
Given the current political turmoil, India has been pushing for a “Syrian-led” process to bring peace.
“We are monitoring the situation in Syria in light of ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work to preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process that respects the interests and aspirations of all segments of Syrian society. Our embassy in Damascus is in touch with the Indian community for their safety and security,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
India's diplomatic position
India has consistently advocated a Syrian-led resolution to the conflict, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council. India has maintained its embassy in Damascus even during the height of the Syrian civil war.
New Delhi has historically supported Syria's claims to the Golan Heights, which are disputed by Israel. In 2010, former President Pratibha Patil visited Damascus and reiterated that position.
“India has consistently supported all just Arab causes. I would like to reiterate India's continued support for a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East problem, based on relevant UN resolutions. I would also like to reiterate our strong support for Syria's legitimate right to the Golan Heights, and for the very early and full return to Syria,” Ms Patil had said.
Economic and cultural ties
Besides diplomacy, economic 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 education. India provided a $25 million credit line and a $1 million grant for a biotechnology center in Damascus.
In 2008, Bashar al-Assad visited India, where he endorsed plans for agricultural cooperation and studies on Syria's phosphate reserves. India offered to set up an IT Center of Excellence in Syria.
Last year, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs V Muraleedharan met with Bashar al-Assad and discussed bilateral ties.
Trade between the two nations also flourished. Indian exports to Syria included textiles, machinery and pharmaceuticals, while imports focused on raw materials such as rock phosphate and cotton.
