India's relationship with Israel has undergone a significant transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moving from a historically cautious engagement to a robust strategic partnership. This evolving dynamic, marked by increased high-level visits and deep cooperation across various sectors, has led to perceptions of a diminished focus on the Palestinian cause. The shift, unfolding primarily since 2014, redefines India's approach to West Asia.
Background
Post-independence, India's foreign policy prioritized non-alignment and anti-colonial solidarity. This translated into strong support for the Palestinian cause, viewing it through the lens of self-determination against occupation. India recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974, establishing an office in Delhi in 1975, which was upgraded to an embassy in 1988. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, championed the Palestinian struggle on global platforms.
Despite this, India recognized Israel in 1950 but maintained limited diplomatic ties. This was largely due to domestic political considerations and a desire to maintain strong relations with the Arab world, crucial for energy security and expatriate remittances. Full diplomatic ties with Israel began in 1992, post-Cold War and Oslo Accords, marking a pragmatic shift. However, these ties remained largely low-key, often overshadowed by India's vocal support for Palestine.
In the early 2000s, India articulated a "de-hyphenation" policy, aiming to treat its relations with Israel and Palestine as separate, bilateral engagements. This allowed for the quiet expansion of cooperation with Israel, particularly in defence and intelligence, while maintaining rhetorical support for Palestine. However, the practical implementation of this policy remained cautious.
Narendra Modi's 2014 election and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s rise marked a significant ideological and strategic departure. The BJP's nationalist platform, with less emphasis on traditional Non-Aligned Movement tenets, paved the way for a more overt embrace of Israel. Both nations share perceived commonalities in dealing with regional security challenges and a focus on technological advancement. This shift also resonated with a segment of India's electorate viewing Israel as a strong, technologically advanced partner.
Key Developments
The Modi era has been defined by unprecedented high-level exchanges and a deepening of cooperation across diverse sectors.
Historic Visits and High-Level Engagements
In July 2017, PM Modi made a historic visit to Israel, the first by an Indian premier. The visit focused on strategic partnership and was characterized by visible warmth between Modi and then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Breaking tradition, Modi did not immediately visit Ramallah, signaling a new diplomatic approach.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated in January 2018, the first such visit in 15 years. This visit further solidified the partnership, with leaders emphasizing "Make in India" initiatives in defence and technology transfer. Beyond prime ministerial visits, a steady stream of ministerial exchanges across defence, agriculture, science, technology, and foreign affairs has underscored the relationship's breadth.
Deepening Sectoral Cooperation
Defence and Security: This remains a cornerstone. Israel is a crucial supplier of advanced military hardware: missile defence systems (like the Barak 8), drones (Heron TP), surveillance technology, and precision munitions. Joint defence production and technology transfer align with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. Counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing have also intensified due to shared security concerns.
* Agriculture and Water Management: India actively seeks Israeli expertise in water scarcity and agricultural productivity. India established numerous agricultural Centres of Excellence, leveraging Israeli drip irrigation, protected cultivation, and advanced horticulture practices. This collaboration directly addresses critical challenges faced by Indian farmers.
* Technology and Innovation: The two nations foster a vibrant high-tech partnership. Joint R&D projects, start-up collaborations, and investments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital health are increasing. India views Israel as a "start-up nation" and an innovation hub, offering valuable lessons for its own technological ambitions.
* Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade has steadily grown beyond traditional diamonds to include high-tech products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural produce. Efforts are underway to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to further boost economic ties.
* Energy and Connectivity: India has expressed interest in Israeli natural gas. Both countries are exploring connectivity projects that could link the Middle East with India, potentially through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Shifting Diplomatic Language
While India continues to reiterate its support for a two-state solution and an independent Palestinian state, the frequency and intensity of its public pronouncements on the Palestinian issue have demonstrably decreased. The focus has decisively shifted towards showcasing the tangible benefits of the India-Israel partnership.
Multilateral Engagement
India and Israel have also found common ground in multilateral forums. India's participation in the I2U2 Group (India, Israel, UAE, USA) highlights the evolving strategic alignment and its integration into broader regional frameworks, particularly in the post-Abraham Accords era. This grouping focuses on joint investments and initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
Impact
The deepening India-Israel relationship has wide-ranging implications for all involved parties and regional dynamics.
Impact on India
Enhanced ties with Israel provide India advanced defence technology, diversifying military procurement beyond traditional partners like Russia. This supports India's strategic autonomy and strengthens its defence capabilities. Access to Israeli innovation in agriculture, water, and high-tech sectors offers tangible benefits for India's development goals. The partnership strengthens India's standing in the emerging West Asian landscape, particularly in the context of the Abraham Accords and the I2U2 grouping, allowing it to play a more active role in regional economic and security architectures.
Impact on Israel
For Israel, India's status as a major global power and former Palestinian supporter offers significant diplomatic gain. The open embrace by Modi's India helps normalize Israel's position internationally and counters isolation efforts. India's vast market and growing economy offer substantial opportunities for Israeli technology, defence, and agricultural exports. India also serves as a strategic counterweight in a region where Israel often faces hostility, bolstering its global influence beyond traditional Western partners.
Impact on Palestine
For Palestine, the warming ties between India and Israel are a cause for concern. India's historical moral and diplomatic support was a significant asset. While India still supports Palestinian UN resolutions, reduced overt advocacy and the shift toward Israel are perceived as weakening Palestine's international standing and leverage. The absence of a customary visit to Ramallah by PM Modi during his Israel trip was a symbolic blow, suggesting a downgrading of the Palestinian issue's prominence. While India continues to provide developmental aid, the overwhelming focus on economic and technological cooperation with Israel, often bypassing Palestinian territories, could lead to further economic marginalization for Palestinians.
Regional Dynamics
The closer India-Israel relationship, particularly within the I2U2 grouping, contributes to a broader regional realignment in West Asia. It signals a pragmatic, interest-driven approach to foreign policy, where economic and security imperatives increasingly outweigh historical ideological solidarities. This shift is part of a trend where several Arab states are also normalizing or deepening ties with Israel, further isolating Palestine.
What Next
The trajectory of the India-Israel relationship under Prime Minister Modi suggests continued deepening and expansion across various domains.
Negotiations for an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement are a key milestone, poised to boost bilateral trade and economic integration. The I2U2 grouping is expected to launch more joint projects, particularly in critical sectors like renewable energy, food security, and infrastructure, solidifying its role as a key regional platform. India's role within this framework is likely to grow, positioning it as a pivotal player in West Asian economic corridors.
Future defence collaborations are likely to move beyond buyer-seller relationships to more joint research, development, and manufacturing of advanced defence systems, potentially including next-generation technologies and cyber warfare capabilities. India will likely continue its diplomatic tightrope walk. While its strategic embrace of Israel is firm, India is also aware of the need to maintain engagement with the Palestinian Authority and the broader Arab world, given its energy needs and large diaspora. This will involve carefully calibrated statements and continued, albeit less prominent, developmental assistance to Palestine.
With initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) gaining traction, Israel could play a crucial role as a connectivity hub, further integrating its economy with India's and potentially creating new geopolitical alignments. The future will likely see India navigating these complex regional architectures, balancing its strategic partnerships with its broader foreign policy interests.
The evolving relationship between India and Israel reflects a pragmatic recalculation of India's foreign policy, prioritizing national interests, economic growth, and strategic security in a rapidly changing global order. While this has undoubtedly strengthened ties with Israel, it has simultaneously altered the long-standing optics and substance of India's engagement with the Palestinian cause.
