As PM visits Israel, how ties evolved over the years, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• PM Modi is visiting Israel on Wednesday and Thursday, marking his first visit in nine years.
• India formally established diplomatic ties with Israel on January 29, 1992, following approval from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
• Israel provided crucial support to India during the 1999 Kargil War by supplying precision bombs.
• Since 2014, India-Israel relations have become more visible, with increased cooperation in defence, AI, and agriculture.
• India recently attended the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington as an observer.
• Defence, trade, AI, technology, and the IMEC project are key agenda items during Modi’s visit.

Detailed Insights:

• India recognized Israel in 1948, but full diplomatic relations were established in 1992 after Arafat supported the move, believing it would aid the Palestinian cause.
• During the Kargil War, Israel provided essential weapons to India, strengthening the military relationship between the two countries.
• The BJP-led NDA government in 2000 organized visits to Israel by leaders from various political parties to build consensus and counter potential criticism.
• After 2014, PM Modi has emphasized the relationship, evident in increased high-level visits and cooperation in diverse sectors.
• The geopolitical landscape has shifted with the Abraham Accords, and India is navigating a complex situation amid tensions in the region.
• Netanyahu views India as a central pillar of his Hexagon of Alliances, aiming to unite Israel with other countries to counter "radical adversaries".
• Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, during his visit, coinciding with upcoming contentious elections in Israel.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Abraham Accords: Agreements to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, brokered by the U.S.
• IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor): A trade corridor project involving India, the Middle East, and Europe to enhance economic cooperation.
• Knesset: The unicameral national legislature of Israel, located in Jerusalem.