From ancient trade to modern defense, India and Israel share a deep, evolving bond.
In short: Long before formal diplomatic ties, India and Israel were linked by ancient trade routes and cultural exchange. Today, that connection has transformed into a robust strategic partnership, defined by military cooperation, technological collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing common security challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The historical roots of the India–Israel relationship extend back to the mid-second millennium BCE, with archaeological evidence of Indian goods like turmeric and sesame found at Tel Megiddo. Ancient texts, including the Hebrew Bible, suggest early trade connections, and communities like the Cochin Jews in Kerala trace their origins to the era of King Solomon. While formal diplomatic relations were only established in 1992, the two nations maintained unofficial cooperation for decades, including intelligence sharing and Israeli support during the 1971 and 1999 conflicts.
Modern ties have flourished under the premiership of Narendra Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017. This era marked a shift toward 'de-hyphenation,' where India engages with Israel and Palestine as independent entities. By 2022, India had become Israel's largest client for military equipment, while Israel solidified its position as India's second-largest defense supplier. Their collaboration now spans agriculture, information technology, and biotechnology, supported by the I2U2 Group formed in 2021.
Public sentiment remains exceptionally positive in both nations. A 2009 study found that 58% of Indian respondents sympathized with Israel, the highest level of support recorded globally. By 2023, 71% of Israelis expressed a favorable view of India. This mutual affinity is reinforced by shared strategic interests, particularly regarding counter-terrorism. As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East shifted in 2024, India has increasingly aligned its policy toward Israel, reflecting a long-standing goal of Hindu nationalist proponents who have historically admired Jewish nationalism and supported the state's creation.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: India–Israel relations
- Also: Wikidata — India–Israel relations · CC0
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