Apr-Jun (2024)

Indo-Israel Relations: The Sky is the Limit for Cooperation

Zahoor Ahmad Dar

Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir.

Shanaza Janbaz

Student of Political Science, University of Kashmir Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir.

Beginning with the advent of Jews in India in 562 BCE, both India and Israel share a long and prosperous history of civilization. Under the British Imperium, both nations were subject to colonial power. There is a unique bond between the two countries because of their shared experiences after the traumatic partition, their commitment to democratic ideals, their struggle against hostile neighbours, and the increasing threat of cross-border terrorism. The objective of this paper is to explore the evolution of India's stance towards Israel. The two nations have witnessed an era of convergence in recent times. Strategically, the two nations have worked together in many fields, including counterterrorism, defence, intelligence sharing, science and technology, etc. More and more fields, such as agriculture, water management, commerce, tourism, and culture, are included in the bilateral partnership, making it stronger and more comprehensive. As a result, the strategic and defensive ties between these countries have strengthened to unprecedented heights. The larger strategic collaboration may be considered beneficial to both countries. As right-wing administrations have taken power in both nations, efforts are being made to broaden the scope of this partnership beyond the defence industry. Each country is working to improve collaboration so that it is mutually beneficial and practical in a variety of ways. India has shifted its policy towards Israel from hostility to pragmatism, as seen by the increasing scope of its collaboration with the Jewish state in areas such as defence, agriculture, water management, tourism, culture, and the economy. Therefore, this article aims to focus on the evolution of Israel and India's strategic partnership from divergence to gradual convergence and to examine the elements that have contributed to this transformation.

Keywords: India, Israel, British, Defense, Strategic, Terrorism
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