Why in news?
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s concluded his visit recently.
- This marks the full normalisation of bilateral ties between India and Israel.
How has the ties been historically?
- After much reluctance due to the internal and external pressure, India officially recognized Israel only in 1950 (3 years after its creation).
- From 1950 to the early 1990s, the relationship remained informal in nature, with no scope for collaboration and engagement.
- Also, India’s Non-Aligned Foreign policy outlook proved to be a major impediment as the NAM took a consistent pro–Palestine stand.
- Official diplomatic ties were established only in 1992, and a decade later, in 2003 India hosted Israeli PM “Ariel Sharon” in a first of its kind bilateral.
- Lately, President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel in 2015, which was followed by PM Modi’s visit in 2017 and current 6 day visit of Mr. Netanyahu.
What were the contours of the visit?
- The joint statement made to the press drew on a futuristic 25-year timeline to realise the full potential of Indo-Israel strategic partnership.
- Mr. Netanyahu visited the Taj Mahal, and Chabad House, which was one of the sites of the 26/11 terror attacks where many Israeli citizens were killed.
- On business, it was noted that “size and scale” of India and the “sharpness and edge” of Israel has immense potential for collaboration in industry.
- Also, the joint statement reaffirmed commitment for early resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
- This is indicative of India’s preparedness to have more open and honest conversations on the peace process.
How does the future look?
- Mr. Modi is expected to visit Palestine shortly.
- Also, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who is recognised in the Arab world as the official custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem is scheduled to visit Delhi soon.
- India’s willingness to further the peace process should also be seen in the backdrop of its recent vote against Israel in the Jerusalem resolution.
- Importantly, any real success in this domain will require challenging the Israeli political belief in hard power and its “survival of the fittest” philosophy.
- While Mr. Netanyahu openly asserted in Delhi that one makes peace and aligns with the strong, India needs to show that building friendships beyond mere strategic calculation is vital.
Source: The Hindu
