Republic of India – First Syrian Republic relations

See also: British India – State of Syria relations

Syrian Republic—Republic of India relations

SYRIA	Republic of India   (Indian-Occupied Kashmir)   (Indian-Held Junagadh)   & Disputed territories

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Shukri Kuwatly in Damascus; 1956.

The Republic of India has an embassy in Damascus. Syria has an embassy in New Delhi. Both countries are members of Non-Aligned Movement. Syria supported the Indian narrative on the Kashmir conflict, while India in return gesturally supports the Syrian claim to the Golan Heights.

Modern history

Both countries established diplomatic relations on the 5th of May in 1950. The urge to pursue relations with the Muslim world in general, and the Arab world in particular, was strengthened in light of the Partition of British India on religious grounds. Religious partitions aside. the same perspective brought support for the Palestinian cause. Additionally, Modern India pursued a pro-Arab policy regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict in order to counteract Pakistani influence in the region as well as to secure access to Western Asian petroleum resources.

On the 14th of July in 1957, Indian first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Damascus on his way to the United States. During the visit, a main street (where Umayyad Square is currently located) was named in his honour in order to "immortalise Syrian-Indian relations."

A common nationalism and secular orientation, membership of NAM and similar perceptions on many issues further strengthened a bond between the two states. Republic of India supported "Syria’s legitimate right to regain the occupied Golan Heights." In turn, this was reciprocated with Syrian recognition that Kashmir is a bilateral issue as well as general support of India's concerns and even candidature at various international forums.

---