Q9. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.

Model Answer:

Introduction

India’s relationship with Israel has seen remarkable growth in recent years, evolving from cautious diplomatic ties to deepening strategic cooperation. This partnership spans defense, agriculture, technology, and trade, reflecting a depth and diversity that has cemented the relationship in global geopolitics.

Body

Historical Context:

  1. Initial Hesitancy: India established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, but the relationship remained cautious due to India’s support for the Palestinian cause and its ties with the Arab world.
  2. Post-1990s Shift: After the end of the Cold War and India’s economic liberalisation, both countries began cooperating more closely, especially in defence and counterterrorism.

Current Depth and Diversity of Relations:

  1. Defence Cooperation: India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli defence equipment. High-tech weaponry, drones, and missile defence systems like the Barak-8 are key elements of this cooperation. Joint military exercises and technology transfers further strengthen ties.
  2. Agricultural Collaboration: Israel’s expertise in water management, drip irrigation, and desert agriculture has been vital for India’s agricultural sector. The Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) has established centres of excellence to promote modern farming techniques.
  3. Technological and Innovation Partnerships: India and Israel have partnered in fields like cybersecurity, space technology, and medical innovations. Israel’s strong start-up ecosystem complements India’s growing technological sector.
  4. Diplomatic and Strategic Alignment: Both nations share common concerns regarding terrorism and regional instability, which has led to stronger diplomatic alignment. Israel’s technological edge and India’s market size provide a mutual strategic benefit.

Cannot Be Rolled Back:

  1. Defence Needs: Given India’s reliance on Israeli defence technology, especially in areas like drones and missile systems, the strategic partnership is critical and not easily replaceable.
  2. Economic Benefits: Bilateral trade, which spans high-tech goods, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, continues to grow, making the economic ties robust and mutually beneficial.
  3. People-to-People Ties: The 80,000-strong Indian Jewish community in Israel and the growing Indian diaspora further strengthen cultural ties.

Conclusion

‍India-Israel relations have grown beyond mere diplomacy, encompassing defence, agriculture, technology, and trade. The strategic alignment on security and economic interests ensures that this partnership, marked by depth and diversity, is not easily reversible.

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