Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
For decades, India’s relationship with Israel was constrained by its commitment to the Palestinian cause and its large Muslim population. However, the post-Cold War era, coupled with shared security concerns and economic opportunities, witnessed a gradual shift. The full normalization of diplomatic relations in 1992 marked a turning point. Today, India and Israel enjoy a robust partnership characterized by extensive cooperation in defense, agriculture, technology, and intelligence sharing. This deepening engagement, driven by mutual strategic interests and pragmatic considerations, has reached a level where a complete reversal appears improbable, despite potential geopolitical headwinds.
Historical Context & Early Constraints
Prior to 1992, India did not have full diplomatic relations with Israel, largely due to its non-aligned foreign policy and support for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). This stance was influenced by India’s significant Muslim population and its historical solidarity with anti-colonial movements. However, even without formal ties, covert security cooperation existed, particularly during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where Israel provided crucial military assistance to India.
Areas of Deepened Cooperation
Defense Cooperation
Defense has been the cornerstone of the India-Israel relationship. Israel has emerged as a key defense partner for India, supplying advanced military technology, including:
- Missile Defense Systems: India acquired the Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missile system, co-developed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Israel has been a major supplier of UAVs to the Indian armed forces, enhancing surveillance capabilities.
- Radar Systems: Advanced radar systems for border security and air defense.
Joint military exercises and technology transfer agreements further solidify this cooperation.
Agricultural Collaboration
Israel’s expertise in arid agriculture and water management has been invaluable to India. The Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) focuses on:
- Micro-Irrigation: Promoting drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques to enhance water use efficiency.
- Protected Cultivation: Establishing centers of excellence for horticulture and floriculture.
- Precision Farming: Utilizing technology to optimize crop yields and reduce resource consumption.
These initiatives have significantly improved agricultural productivity in several Indian states.
Technological & Economic Ties
Cooperation in technology, particularly in cybersecurity, space technology, and healthcare, is rapidly expanding. Several Israeli companies have invested in India, contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching over $7.5 billion in 2022-23 (as per Ministry of External Affairs data - knowledge cutoff 2023).
Strategic Alignment & Counter-Terrorism
Both India and Israel face similar security challenges, including terrorism. This shared threat has fostered intelligence sharing and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Their converging views on regional security issues, particularly concerning Iran and radical Islamist groups, further strengthen their strategic alignment.
Why a Rollback is Unlikely
Several factors make a complete rollback of the India-Israel relationship improbable:
- Strategic Imperatives: The shared security concerns and geopolitical alignment are too strong to ignore.
- Economic Interdependence: Growing trade and investment ties create vested interests in maintaining the relationship.
- Domestic Political Considerations: A shift away from Israel would likely face opposition from key stakeholders within India, including the defense establishment and agricultural sector.
- Continuity in Policy: Successive Indian governments, regardless of political ideology, have maintained and strengthened ties with Israel.
However, India will likely continue to balance its relationship with Israel with its traditional support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a two-state solution.
Conclusion
India-Israel relations have transcended historical constraints to become a multifaceted partnership built on mutual strategic interests, economic opportunities, and shared security concerns. While India’s commitment to the Palestinian cause will likely remain, the depth and diversity of its engagement with Israel, particularly in defense, agriculture, and technology, make a complete rollback highly improbable. The relationship is poised for further growth, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy and economic development, even amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Answer Length
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