Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel in July 2017 clearly signalled India’s intention to formally build a multidimensional strategic relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to India catalyzes that further, ending years of an ambiguous relationship and transforming that to one of the enduring ones going forward.
India-Israel cooperation has expanded significantly since 2014 with Prime Minister Modi assuming office. The two countries continued their positive relationship into 2015, with Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon making the
first ever official visit to India in February where he along with many other top Israeli defense officials, attended the Aero India exhibition held in Bangalore. The visit fulfilled the purpose of increasing interaction and cooperation between Israel and India. Following the visit of the Israeli Defence Minister, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, the External Affairs Minister visited Israel in January 2016 which clearly established India’s intentions of positive engagements henceforth.
India and Israel – A friendship that was in the making for decades.
For many in India – a more engaging relationship with Israel was a long time coming. The two cradles of civilizations have nurtured their respective heritage over centuries. Throughout history, the Jewish Welcoming Growing Strategic Partnership Netanyahu Communities have always had a home in India and have been treated with warmth and respect. I, like many, have admired the advancements made by Israelis amidst odds stacked against them over the last many decades and appreciate the dogged determination of succeeding that they have exhibited to the world.
Many Indians and Israelis are conscious of the cultural links between our nations which serve as a foundation for strengthening ties in this modern age. Jewish presence in India goes back millennia, with Jewish sailors trading with kingdoms which are now parts of modern day Kerala. India has always served as a home for Jewish people seeking sanctuary from persecution – from as way back during troubled times such as –the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC by the forces of Babylon and during their expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula following the Spanish Inquisition and in contemporary times during the Nazi Holocaust of World War2. Therefore, it is a recognition of that long and deep historical connect that the Prime Minister Modi announced the opening of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.
As much as we look back, recognize and celebrate our links of heritage, history and culture – the India Israel relation is as much about the future. A future with shared commitment to Technology and Innovation, values of democracy and a determination to build a safe country for their people and at the same time support global co-operation and coexistence amongst nation and people.
Water and Agriculture
The two areas of water and agriculture are key to the future of both nations and indeed most other nations. For many decades, India has ignored both areas – lacking technology and governance reforms that were so sorely required. Decades of farm distress and emerging signs of a water crisis are all results of that apathy and neglect – creating a sense of urgency on the need for real change in these areas. India and Israel have agreed to establish a “Strategic Partnership in Water and Agriculture” – that will focus on water conservation, wastewater treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced water technologies. All these areas of focus are vital for transforming our agriculture and water sectors. Israel is a natural partner in these areas being a pioneer in water conservation technologies and has been acknowledged worldwide for her success in water management. While water is scarce in Israel, India’s water resources are fast depleting and becoming increasingly polluted.
Defence and Cybersecurity
The Indo-Israel relationship also has had a long history, despite most of that history being behind closed doors and kept secret. It is only in recent years that the relationship is becoming more visible and formal. The Indian security challenges are not unlike what Israel faces – surrounded as they are by hostile nations and being targeted by Terrorism for several decades. India after years of a weak approach to Terrorism has only recently started asserting right to protect its sovereignity, territory and people.
Innovation and Technology
At a time when terrorism has become a global threat – the co-operation between nations and their Intelligence agencies is becoming more urgent and real. The co-operation between the two countries in this area can span a large spectrum of win-win opportunities.
In coming years, the ongoing technological disruptions will deepen. Technology and Innovation will drive global economies and competitive advantage amongst nations. India and Israel partnership can be a significant element in this ongoing revolution of innovation and Technology. Creating Investment flows, Intellectual properties and jobs.
“India and Israel have agreed to establish a “Strategic Partnership in Water and Agriculture” – that will focus on water conservation, waste-water treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges”
Beyond the obvious benefits of the relationship – This partnership can have an important impact of replacing the narrative of hate and terrorism in the Middle East with one of Development, Opportunities and mutual respect – as two shining democracies in their respective regions surrounded by dictatorships or religious authoritarianism. The visit of PM Netanyahu will further boost the strategic opportunities for Israel to partner with two of the worlds biggest Democracies and Economies, USA and India.
