Answer:
India recognised Israel in 1950 but established full diplomatic relations only in 1992, constrained by Cold War alignments, Non-Aligned Movement commitments, and energy dependence on the Arab world. Over the last three decades, however, the relationship has transformed into a multi-sectoral strategic partnership, with bilateral trade crossing $10.1 billion and Israel emerging as one of India’s top defence suppliers.
Overcoming Ideological and geopolitical hesitations:
1. From ideological distance to strategic engagement:
- During the Cold War, India’s pro-Palestinian position and NAM orientation delayed full diplomatic ties despite recognising Israel in 1950.
- The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 marked a decisive shift toward interest-based foreign policy.
2. Institutionalising Cooperation:
- Israel has remained among India’s top three arms suppliers for over two decades as per SIPRI.
- Inductions include Phalcon AWACS, Heron UAVs, and Barak-8 missile systems making defence cooperation became the backbone of bilateral trust.
3. De-hyphenation:
- PM Modi’s 2017 visit, first by an Indian PM, symbolised policy de-hyphenation.
- India now engages Israel and Palestine on separate tracks while reiterating support for a two-state solution.
4. Diversification: The partnership expanded beyond defence into innovation-led growth, seen in the establishment of the India–Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F).
Emerging regional and global challenges:
Despite progress, future evolution is contingent upon managing several constraints.
1. Regional Instability:
- October 2023 Hamas attack and Israel’s Gaza operations intensified regional volatility.
- Thus, balancing ties with Israel and maintaining credibility in the Arab world remains delicate.
2. Arab world factor: Perceived tilt toward Israel could affect diaspora and energy interests as over 8 million Indians reside in Gulf countries, remitting more than $100 billion annually.
3. Iran Factor:
- Escalation between Israel and Iran could complicate India’s regional balancing.
- India’s strategic investment in Chabahar Port may face difficulties as Israel views Iran as an existential threat.
4. China’s expanding footprint: Israeli tech engagement with China may raise security sensitivities for India. China is Israel’s largest trading partner in Asia with over $25 billion trade.
5. Stalled economic integration: Proposed India–Israel FTA remains unresolved while the trade basket still heavily dominated by diamonds and defence.
Navigating these challenges for the future:
1. Deepening collaboration:
- Expand cooperation in semiconductors, AI, quantum tech, green hydrogen.
- Leverage Israel’s start-up ecosystem to complement India’s scale.
2. Strengthening strategic autonomy: Continue de-hyphenation while upholding two-state solution by maintaining balanced engagement with Israel, Palestine, Gulf states, and Iran.
3. Expanding economic engagement: Conclude FTA negotiations and diversify trade beyond defence and gems into high-value sectors.
4. Enhancing people-to-people ties: As approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin reside in Israel, academic, cultural, and innovation exchanges can deepen societal connect.
Conclusion:
India–Israel relations have matured into a strategic partnership, but their future resilience will hinge on balancing innovation-driven cooperation with complex West Asian geopolitics.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Israel has remained among India’s top three defence suppliers for over two decades.
- India was the first non-Arab state to recognise the PLO.
- The India–Israel Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism is one of India’s longest-standing structured CT mechanisms.
- The Barak-8 (MR-SAM) missile system is a joint DRDO–Israel Aerospace Industries project.
- India’s 2021 abstention at UNHRC on Gaza probe reflects strategic autonomy rather than bloc alignment.
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