India and Israel relations, though formally established only in 1992, have evolved from a transactional defense relationship into a multidimensional strategic partnership.
Depth and Diversity in India-Israel relations
Geopolitical Convergence
2017 Modi visit to Israel (first ever by an Indian PM) and reciprocal visits institutionalized the partnership through Joint Working Groups and 2+2 dialogues.
Strategic autonomy- India has successfully balanced ties with Israel, Palestine, and Gulf states
Indo-Abrahamic Bloc- India’s participation in I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US), reflect shared Indo-Pacific interests.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense Procurement- Israel is one of India’s top three defense suppliers. Eg- Heron and Searcher UAVs, Barak missiles, and Spyder air defense systems.
Counterterrorism Cooperation- Intelligence-sharing and joint training have strengthened India’s counterterrorism capabilities post-26/11.
Maritime Security- Joint initiatives in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea strengthen India’s position in West Asian maritime architecture.
Technology, Agriculture, and Water Cooperation
The India-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) has established over 30 Centers of Excellence across Indian states.
Water Management- Collaboration in drip irrigation, desalination, and wastewater recycling.
The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) supports joint projects in AI, quantum computing, water tech, etc.
Economic and Trade Relations
Bilateral Trade- Increased from $200 million in 1992 to over $10.7 billion in 2023, with focus shifting from diamonds to pharmaceuticals, defense electronics, and agri-tech.
Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen commercial linkages.
India and Israel have signed a fresh bilateral investment treaty.( first OECD country to adopt India’s new investment treaty model.)
People-to-People and Cultural Ties – Shared democratic values, historical goodwill, and academic and cultural exchanges
Major Areas-of Friction
India maintains a principled support for Palestine and the two-state solution. Eg- India abstained from a UNGA resolution on Gaza ceasefire in October 2023.
India walk a tightrope between its strategic embrace of Israel and economic entrenchment in the Gulf. – Harsh V. Pant (ORF)
Non-defense trade remains modest and over-reliant on diamonds and agriculture.
The India-Israel Free Trade Agreement, under negotiation since 2010 (14 rounds held), remains inconclusive.
Domestic Political Issues – left-leaning and minority groups, criticize deepening ties with Israel.
Way Forward
Partnership based on Enlightened Self interest
Joint Collaboration for development projects in Africa and South Asia under platforms like I2U2.