What is the history of India–Israel relations? Why did India initially oppose the creation of Israel? How did relations evolve after Israel came into existence? Why did no Indian Prime Minister visit Israel for nearly 60 years after independence? When did ties begin to deepen, and how have they grown since? Let’s understand the full journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to depart for Israel on Wednesday (February 25) for a two-day visit. This will be his second visit to Israel, nearly eight years after his historic trip in July 2017 — the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Jewish state. During this visit, PM Modi is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, and may also address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).
1930s–1940s: When India Opposed the Creation of Israel
1. Jewish Persecution and Demand for a Homeland
Between the 1920s and 1940s, Jews in Europe faced severe persecution, especially in Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. As atrocities increased, the demand grew among Jews worldwide for a separate homeland in the region of Jerusalem, considered central to Judaism. At that time, Palestine had a Muslim-majority population and was under British control.
2. India Opposed Partition of Palestine
In 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, promising support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. However, there was global opposition to partitioning Palestine. British-ruled India opposed both the demand for a separate Jewish state and the Balfour Declaration. India felt aligned with the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, as it was itself fighting for independence from British rule.
3. Mahatma Gandhi’s Stand
By the late 1930s, Mahatma Gandhi had become the face of India’s freedom movement. On November 26, 1938, in his weekly newspaper Harijan, he wrote:
“Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English and France to the French.”
While expressing sympathy for Jews facing Nazi atrocities, Gandhi maintained that imposing Jews upon Arabs would be unjust and inhumane.
1947–1950: Post-Independence Era
India Voted Against the UN Partition Plan
In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish (Israel) and Arab (Palestine) states. India voted against the UN Partition Plan. According to Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru (Vol. 5), India’s UN representative Vijayalakshmi Pandit faced pressure and even death threats to vote in favor of partition, but the Nehru government remained firm.
India Proposed a Federal Solution
Instead of partition, India proposed a single federal state with autonomy for Jewish and Arab-majority areas. Nehru argued that any lasting solution must have the consent of both communities and not be imposed by force.
Continued Opposition After Israel’s Formation
Even after Israel was established in 1948, India voted against Israel’s admission to the UN in 1949. During the early decades, India strongly supported Palestinian interests and avoided hurting Arab nations’ sentiments.
1950s: Recognition Without Diplomatic Relations
India officially recognized Israel on September 17, 1950, but did not establish full diplomatic relations.
It is said that Albert Einstein wrote to Nehru urging support for the Jewish homeland. Initially reluctant, Nehru eventually recognized Israel, stating:
“We would have recognized Israel earlier, because Israel is a reality. We refrained because we did not wish to offend the sentiments of our Arab friends.”
Despite recognition, India avoided formal diplomatic ties and even restricted passport use for travel to Israel for decades.
1960s: Secret Cooperation Begins
1962 – India-China War
During the 1962 India-China war, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion offered military assistance. India accepted arms and ammunition but requested that Israeli flags not be displayed on supply ships, fearing damage to relations with Arab countries. This marked the beginning of decades of covert security cooperation.
1965 – India-Pakistan War
Israel continued military support during the 1965 war with Pakistan.
1970s: Support for Palestine Continues
In 1974, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO opened an office in India in 1975.
During the 1971 war, India reportedly sourced Israeli arms covertly. Israeli PM Golda Meir later sought formal diplomatic recognition from Indira Gandhi, but ties remained unofficial.
1980s: Quiet Security Links
While publicly supporting Palestine, India maintained quiet security ties with Israel.
In 1988, India recognized Palestine as a state — one of the first non-Arab countries to do so.
Israel even reportedly proposed a joint strike on Pakistan’s nuclear facility in the early 1980s, which India declined.
1990s: Formal Diplomatic Relations Established
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and India’s economic liberalization, India formally established diplomatic relations with Israel in January 1992. Embassies were opened in Tel Aviv and New Delhi.
Defense Deals Begin
1996: India purchased Searcher drones.
1997: Barak-1 missile deal signed.
1999 Kargil War
During the Kargil War, Israel supplied laser-guided bomb kits and missiles, playing a crucial role in India’s military operations.
2000s: Defense Cooperation Expands
In 2003, Israeli PM Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India.
Defense trade expanded rapidly, while India maintained balanced ties with Arab nations.
2010s: Strategic Partnership Deepens
After Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, ties strengthened significantly.
2015
President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel — the first Indian President to do so.
2017
PM Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel.
2018
PM Netanyahu visited India.
Defense and trade cooperation expanded. Israeli firms partnered with Indian companies like Adani Group and Tata Advanced Systems.
India continued supporting a two-state solution while maintaining strategic balance.
2020–Present: Strategic and Economic Growth
Military Cooperation
India participated in Israel’s “Blue Flag 2021” air exercise.
Trade Growth
Bilateral trade grew from $200 million in 1992 to approximately $6.5 billion in 2024. A bilateral investment treaty was signed in September 2024.
Balanced Diplomatic Position
India condemned Hamas attacks in 2023 but also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
India continues to support a two-state solution while strengthening strategic ties with Israel.
Conclusion
India–Israel relations have evolved dramatically:
1930s–40s: Strong opposition to Israel’s creation
1950: Recognition without relations
1960s–80s: Secret security cooperation
1992: Formal diplomatic ties
2014 onward: Open strategic partnership
Today, India maintains a balanced approach — deep defense and technological cooperation with Israel while continuing support for Palestinian statehood.
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