Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on March 6, 2024, for a significant visit that includes a historic address to the Knesset. This trip marks Modi’s first visit to Israel since 2017 and underscores the growing partnership between the two nations, shaped by a shared history, common security challenges, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The relationship between India and Israel has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades. Both nations are democracies with deep-rooted histories that resonate across their respective regions. The close ties are acknowledged by experts, including former deputy national security advisor Col. (res.) Eran Lerman, who described Modi’s visit as a “significant milestone” that reflects the personal rapport between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lerman highlighted how India’s military needs were met during the Kargil crisis in 1999, when Israel promptly supplied essential weapon systems, reinforcing military cooperation and intelligence sharing between the two countries.
Shared Historical Contexts
India is the world’s largest Hindu-majority nation, while Israel stands as the only Jewish state. Both countries faced similar challenges during their respective independence movements against British colonial rule. India gained independence in 1947, while Israel followed suit in 1948. The British partition plans for both regions led to complex and often violent outcomes.
In India, the partition resulted in the creation of Pakistan, displacing approximately 14 million people and causing the deaths of up to one million individuals. In Israel, the partition prompted immediate conflict, as neighboring Arab states rejected its legitimacy, leading to war and the establishment of Israel through military efforts against significant odds.
The historical narratives of both nations intertwine through their struggles for independence and the subsequent challenges they faced. While Israel had to cultivate relationships with peripheral nations to ensure its survival, India grappled with conflicts stemming from its partition, most notably with Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Modern Geopolitical Dynamics
In recent years, the geopolitical landscape has further solidified the partnership between India and Israel. Both countries occupy critical positions in a region marked by tension and strategic importance. The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) exemplifies the contemporary links between these nations, facilitating trade and collaboration.
Israel’s leadership recognizes the importance of its alliance with India, especially as regional dynamics shift with rising challenges from countries like Turkey, while Iran’s influence wanes. In contrast, India’s approach tends to prioritize peaceful relations and a balanced stance between Eastern and Western powers.
Despite differing strategies, the historical and cultural connections between India and Israel render them natural allies. The evolving partnership is indicative of a broader trend where both nations increasingly embrace their shared democratic values and security interests, positioning themselves as key players in a complex global landscape.
As Modi’s visit to Israel unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the historical ties and strategic imperatives that continue to drive the partnership between these two diverse nations.
