The 2023 Israel-Hamas Conflict: Geopolitical Ripples from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

The 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict has sent geopolitical shockwaves far beyond the Middle East, influencing strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper explores how the war has reshaped alliances, regional stability, and foreign policy across Asia, focusing on India’s positioning amid this evolving landscape. While Middle Eastern powers like Iran and Hezbollah engaged more directly in the conflict, global players including the United States, China, and Russia have adjusted their strategies in both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. India, a key player in the Indo-Pacific, faces new challenges and opportunities. Balancing its traditional ties with Israel, growing energy dependence on the Gulf, and its Indo-Pacific strategy has placed India in a delicate position. This analysis delves into the broader implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict for India's geopolitical strategy, economic interests, and its role in an increasingly multipolar Indo-Pacific region.