The relationship between India and Israel has experienced a remarkable transformation since its inception. From the early days of cautious engagement and limited cooperation to the development of a multifaceted strategic partnership, India and Israel have come a long way in strengthening their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. This article explores the dynamic evolution of India-Israel relations, highlighting significant milestones and key areas of collaboration.
Early Relations: Navigating Diplomatic Terrain
India announced its recognition of Israel on September 17, 1950, a period characterized by global geopolitical shifts and India's support for the Palestinian cause. This early stage of their relationship saw limited official interactions. It was in this era that the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay, later transformed into a Trade Office and then a Consulate. The path towards full diplomatic relations was paved, but it would take several more decades.
1992: A Diplomatic Breakthrough
The turning point arrived in 1992, when India formally recognized the state of Israel, marking a historic shift in its foreign policy. This milestone paved the way for full-fledged diplomatic relations. Several factors contributed to this shift, including the end of the Cold War, India's pursuit of economic liberalization, and the recognition of Israel's technological and defense capabilities.
Strengthening Political Ties
Over the years, political relations between India and Israel have blossomed. In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel was a historic moment, as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the nation. This visit elevated the relationship to a strategic level and resulted in the signing of seven crucial Agreements/MoUs, covering areas like R&D innovation, water, agriculture, and space.
Notably, Israel's Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, reciprocated with a visit to India in 2018, during which four G2G agreements on cyber security, oil & gas cooperation, film co-production, and air transport were signed, along with five other semi-government agreements. These high-level engagements have expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, and security.
Economic and Commercial Cooperation
Economic and commercial relations have grown substantially since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In 2018-19, bilateral merchandise trade reached $5.65 billion (excluding defense), representing a significant increase from the $200 million trade in 1992. The trade balance is in India's favor, with a surplus of $1.8 billion.
Diamond trade remains a cornerstone, constituting nearly 40% of bilateral trade. However, the relationship has diversified into various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, telecom, and homeland security. Indian software giants, such as TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, have expanded their presence in Israel, further solidifying economic collaboration.
Investment Ventures
Indian investments in Israel have seen substantial growth. Indian companies have entered the Israeli market through mergers, acquisitions, and the establishment of branch offices. Notable examples include State Bank of India's branch in Tel Aviv, Jain Irrigation's acquisition of NaanDan, and Sun Pharma's significant stake in Taro Pharmaceutical Industries.
Conversely, Israel has invested significantly in India, with over 300 investments, primarily in high-tech and agriculture. Sectors such as water technologies, homeland security, and real estate have witnessed a growing preference for Israeli companies. Notable Israeli companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, IDE, and Netafim, have made substantial investments in India, contributing to the robust economic partnership.
Collaborative Agriculture
Agricultural cooperation has been a focal point of the India-Israel relationship. A comprehensive Work Plan for cooperation in agriculture was initiated in 2006, leading to significant advances in agricultural practices in India. This collaboration encompasses horticulture mechanization, protected cultivation, orchard and canopy management, nursery management, micro-irrigation, and post-harvest management.
The deployment of Israeli expertise and technologies has led to the widespread adoption of drip irrigation in India. In addition, Israeli experts have played a vital role in enhancing dairy farming, leading to higher milk yields.
Strengthening Defense and Security
India imports critical defense technologies from Israel, fostering robust defense and security ties. Exchanges between the armed forces, naval visits, and joint working groups have become regular features of the partnership. This collaboration also extends to security issues, including the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
Bolstering Science and Technology
Cooperation in science and technology is overseen by the Joint Committee on S&T, with regular meetings to enhance collaboration in research and innovation. The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F) is a significant milestone in promoting joint R&D projects between Indian and Israeli enterprises.
Furthermore, cooperation in space has seen agreements signed between ISRO and the Israel Space Agency, strengthening collaboration in space exploration.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
Cultural ties have flourished between the two nations, with India being a popular destination for Israeli tourists. Similarly, Israeli culture holds a special appeal for Indian tourists. Air India's direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv and El Al's direct flights between Mumbai and Tel Aviv have facilitated travel and tourism between the two countries.
Educational exchanges have also grown, with courses related to India being taught at Israeli universities and academic agreements being formed between Indian and Israeli institutions. Scholarships and funding programs for joint academic research have further solidified educational ties.
The I2U2 Group The I2U2, also known as the West Asian Quad or Middle East Quad, is a strategic partnership established between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. This alliance aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security, with a focus on economic development, scientific innovation, and regional stability. The objectives include strengthening global American partnerships, fostering collaboration in various fields, deepening economic relations, and leveraging technological expertise. The I2U2 was formed after the Abraham Accords in October 2021 and held its first virtual summit in July 2022, marking the beginning of this significant partnership.
Conclusion
The evolution of India-Israel relations is a compelling narrative of transformation and progress. From early diplomatic caution to a flourishing strategic partnership, both nations have harnessed each other's strengths to create a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship. The collaborative efforts encompass various domains, including politics, economics, agriculture, defense, technology, and culture, making the partnership resilient and forward-looking. With continued cooperation and shared objectives, the future holds immense promise for India and Israel as they continue to strengthen their multifaceted relationship.
Source: MEA | Indian Express
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Bilateral Agreements, I2U2, QUAD, Cultural Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Indian Ocean Region, Two State Solution, Trade Agreements.
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