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.
