Q.India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
Model Answer
Introduction
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, "The bond between India and Israel is a convergence of ancient civilizations and modern ambitions." Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1992, the bilateral relationship has transitioned from cautious engagement to a robust, multi-dimensional strategic partnership that spans defence, agriculture, technology, and cultural domains, making it highly resilient and irreversible.
Body
Depth and Diversity in India-Israel Relations
1. Strategic and Defense Cooperation
- Defense Procurement: Israel is one of India's top defence suppliers, providing advanced systems like the Barak-8 air defence missile systems and Spike anti-tank guided missiles.
- Joint Development: Under the 'Make in India' initiative, both nations co-develop advanced military technologies, reducing India's import dependence.
- Example: In 2022, India and Israel signed a landmark defence agreement worth $2 billion to further solidify joint production capabilities.
2. Agricultural Innovation and Water Management
- Centers of Excellence: The Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) has established specialized Centers of Excellence across India to implement Israeli expertise in precision agriculture, canopy management, and micro-irrigation.
- Water Scarcity Solutions: Israel's advanced water recycling, desalination, and drip irrigation technologies are being deployed in India's water-stressed regions.
- Example: The "India-Israel Bundelkhand Water Project" in Uttar Pradesh addresses chronic water scarcity in one of India's most drought-prone areas.
3. Technological and Innovation Partnerships
- High-Tech Collaborations: Both nations collaborate on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology through joint R&D funds.
- Example: The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F), launched in 2021, promotes collaborative research in healthcare, agriculture, and water technology.
4. Counterterrorism and Security Cooperation
- Intelligence Sharing: Both nations share intelligence and best practices to counter cross-border terrorism and cyber warfare.
- Example: Collaboration between India's intelligence agencies and Israel's Mossad has significantly enhanced India's tactical security capabilities.
5. Diplomatic and Economic Alignment
- High-Level Visits: PM Modi's historic visit to Israel in 2017—the first by an Indian Prime Minister—marked a formal de-hyphenation of India's relations with Israel and Palestine.
- Bilateral Trade: Non-defence trade reached approximately $6.35 billion in 2022, with ongoing negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Conclusion
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has noted that the relationship has grown into a comprehensive partnership whose mutual benefits make it resilient and difficult to reverse. The depth of this engagement ensures that India-Israel ties will continue to scale new heights based on shared strategic and developmental interests.