India–Israel relations

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{{Short description|Bilateral relations}}
{{bilateral|India–Israel|India|Israel|filetype=svg
|mission1= Embassy of India, [[Tel Aviv]]
|mission2= Embassy of Israel, [[New Delhi]]
|envoytitle1= Indian Ambassador
|envoy1= [[Sanjeev Kumar Singla]]
|envoytitle2= Israeli Ambassador
|envoy2= [[Naor Gilon]]
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=September 2021}}
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Naftali Bennett, in Glasgow, Scotland on November 02, 2021 (1).jpg|thumb|Israeli Prime Minister [[Naftali Bennett]] meeting Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] at [[2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP26]] in [[Glasgow]], Scotland; November 2021.]]
'''India–Israel relations''' ({{Lang-hi|भारत-इज़राइल सम्बन्ध}}; {{Lang-he|יחסי הודו-ישראל}}) refer to the [[Bilateralism|bilateral relations]] between the [[India|Republic of India]] and the [[Israel|State of Israel]]. The two countries have an extensive and comprehensive economic, military, and political relationship.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-india-relations-strong-but-low-key-1.258562 |title=Israel-India relations / Strong, but low-key |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=December 1, 2008 |first=Anshel |last=Pfeffer |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.643024 |title=Israel-India strategic ties are no longer a secret |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=February 18, 2015 |first=Amos |last=Harel |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref>

Israel is represented through an embassy in [[New Delhi]] and consulates in [[Mumbai]] and [[Bangalore]]; India is represented through an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]].

India is the largest buyer of [[Defense industry of Israel|Israeli military equipment]] and Israel is the second-largest supplier of military equipment to India after [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airshow-india-israel-idUSKBN0LM0WL20150218 |title=Israeli defense minister lands at India airshow to boost arms sales |work=Reuters |date=February 18, 2015 |first=Tommy |last=Wilkes |access-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref> From 1999 to 2009, military business between the two nations was worth around {{Nowrap|[[United States dollar|US$]]9 billion}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-hold-wide-ranging-strategic-talks-with-US-Israel/articleshow/5474033.cms?referral=PM |title=India to hold wide-ranging strategic talks with US, Israel |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref> Military and strategic ties between the two nations extend to intelligence-sharing on [[List of designated terrorist groups|terrorist groups]] and joint military training.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/nov/29/world/fg-indiaisrael29 |title=Israel has 'no doubt' citizens were targeted |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=November 29, 2008 |first=Richard |last=Boudreaux |access-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref><ref name="ATON" />

{{As of|2019}}, India is the third-largest [[Asia]]n trade partner of Israel, and its tenth-largest trade partner overall; bilateral trade, excluding military sales, stood at {{Nowrap|$5.53 billion}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indembassy.co.il/pages.php?id=14|title=Welcome to Embassy of India, Tel Aviv, Israel|website=indembassy.co.il|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714020145/https://www.indembassy.co.il/pages.php?id=14|archive-date=2017-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> Relations further expanded during [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]]'s administration, with India abstaining from voting against Israel in [[List of United Nations resolutions concerning Israel|several United Nations resolutions]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/india-abstains-from-unhrc-vote-against-israel/article7383796.ece|title=India abstains from UNHRC vote against Israel|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-07-05|language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, the two nations are negotiating an extensive bilateral free-trade agreement, focusing on areas such as information technology, biotechnology and agriculture.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-Israel-to-restart-free-trade-agreement-talks/articleshow/46088647.cms|title=India, Israel to restart free trade agreement talks – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-israel-fta-not-likely-to-be-signed-soon-115021100249_1.html|title=India, Israel FTA not likely to be signed soon|last=Basu|first=Nayanima|date=2015-02-13|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref>

According to an international poll conducted in 2009, 58 percent of [[Indian people|Indians]] expressed sympathy with Israel with regards to the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]], compared to 56 percent of [[Americans]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html|title=From India with love|work=Ynetnews|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref>

==History==
===Ancient relations===
Excavation at [[Tel Megiddo]] shows evidences of Indo-Mediterranean trade relations from mid second millennium BCE between south Asia and southern Levant as they prove presence of turmeric, banana, sesame, all originating from south Asia.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Scott|first1=Ashley|last2=Power|first2=Robert C.|last3=Altmann-Wendling|first3=Victoria|last4=Artzy|first4=Michal|last5=Martin|first5=Mario A. S.|last6=Eisenmann|first6=Stefanie|last7=Hagan|first7=Richard|last8=Salazar-García|first8=Domingo C.|last9=Salmon|first9=Yossi|last10=Yegorov|first10=Dmitry|last11=Milevski|first11=Ianir|date=2021-01-12|title=Exotic foods reveal contact between South Asia and the Near East during the second millennium BCE|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|language=en|volume=118|issue=2|pages=e2014956117|doi=10.1073/pnas.2014956117|issn=0027-8424|pmid=33419922|pmc=7812755|hdl=10550/76877|hdl-access=free}}</ref> Geographical analysis of Israel suggests that the authors of [[Old Testament]] were talking about India, where the trade of animals such as monkeys and peacocks existed.<ref>{{cite book|title = Between Jerusalem and Benares: Comparative Studies in Judaism and Hinduism|author = Hananya Goodman|page = 28|isbn = 9780791417157|publisher = SUNY Press|year = 1994}}</ref> According to [[Chaim Menachem Rabin]], the connection between ancient Israel and the Indian subcontinent was recorded during the reign of King Solomon (10th century BCE) in I Kings 10.22.<ref>{{cite book|title = The Bible in Basic English|publisher = Cambridge University Press|year = 1956|page=349}}</ref> Ancient trade and cultural communication between India and the Levant is documented in the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]] and the accounts surrounding [[Queen of Sheba]] in the Hebrew Bible. Jews who have settled in [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], trace their origin back to the time of King Solomon and are called [[Cochin Jews]]. Later on, [[Paradesi Jews]] migrated to [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], during the 15th and 16th centuries following the expulsion of Jews from [[Spain]].

The trade relations of both communities can be traced back to 1,000 BCE and earlier to the time of the [[Indus Valley Civilization|Indus valley civilization]] of the Indian subcontinent and the Babylonian culture of Middle East. A Buddhist story describes Indian merchants visiting ''Baveru'' (Babylonia)<ref>{{cite book|title = The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Inter-Religious Dialogue|author=Catherine Cornille|page=417|publisher=Wiley}}</ref> and selling peacocks for public display. Similar, earlier accounts describe monkeys exhibited to the public.<ref>{{cite book|title = Between Jerusalem and Benares: Comparative Studies in Judaism and Hinduism|author = Hananya Goodman|page = 25|isbn = 9780791417157|publisher = SUNY Press|year = 1994}}</ref> Trade connections between India and Palestine and Mediterranean Jewish communities continued, and later, the languages of these cultures started to share linguistic similarities.<ref>{{cite book|title = Between Jerusalem and Benares: Comparative Studies in Judaism and Hinduism|author = Hananya Goodman|pages = 25–30|isbn = 9780791417157|publisher = SUNY Press|year = 1994}}</ref>

Judea played a minor role in trade between the [[Roman Empire]] and India during the period of Roman rule in Judea. It is known that there were expensive garments in the Temple in Jerusalem imported from India via [[Alexandria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://faculty.biu.ac.il/~barilm/articles/publications/publications0096.html|title = פרופ' מאיר בר-אילן : Major trends in Jewish Society in the Land of Israel: From the 5th century BCE till the 7th century CE}}</ref>

===Non-recognition period (1948–1950)===
[[File:Jawaharlal Nehru with Albert Einstein at Princeton, New Jersey.jpg|right|thumb|Albert Einstein with Jawaharlal Nehru at Princeton, New Jersey]]
India's position on the establishment of the State of Israel was affected by many factors, including India's own [[Partition of India|partition]] on religious lines, and India's relationship with other nations.<ref name="INIS">{{cite journal |last=Kumaraswamy |first=P. R.|date=January 1995 |title=India's Recognition of Israel, September 1950 |jstor=4283702 |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis|Taylor & Francis, Ltd.]] |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=124–138 |doi=10.1080/00263209508701044}}</ref> Indian independence leader [[Mahatma Gandhi]] believed the Jews had a good case and a prior claim for Israel,<ref name="GH">{{cite journal |last=Panter-Brick |first=Simone |date=January 5, 2009 |title=Gandhi's Views on the Resolution of the Conflict in Palestine: A Note |journal=Middle Eastern Studies |publisher=[[Routledge]] |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=127–133 |doi=10.1080/00263200802547719 |s2cid=143820059 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Fischer |first=Louis |date=December 1, 2006 |title=Mahatma Gandhi/His Life & Times |url=http://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/mg_hislifeandtimes.pdf |publisher=[[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]] |page=479 |isbn=978-8172763060 |access-date=5 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Bishku |first=Michael |date=Winter 2011 |title=India's Israel Policy (review) |url=http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/mej/summary/v065/65.1.bishku.html |journal=Middle East Journal |publisher=[[Middle East Institute]] |volume=65 |issue=1 |access-date=5 May 2015}}</ref> but opposed the creation of Israel on religious<ref name="GH" /><ref name="H1">{{cite journal |last=Mohandas |first=Gandhi |date=November 26, 1938 |title=The Jews |url=https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org/datalink/files/ghp_journals/journal_image_4/harijan_en_vol6_img352.jpg |journal=[[Harijan#Harijan: Mohandas Gandhi's publication|Harijan]] |volume=6 |issue=42 |access-date=30 April 2015}}</ref> or [[Creation of Israel|mandated]] terms.<ref name="GH" /><ref name="H1" /><ref>{{cite journal |last=Mohandas |first=Gandhi |date=July 21, 1946 |title=Jews and Palestine |url=https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org/datalink/files/ghp_journals/journal_image_4/harijan_en_vol10_img229.jpg |journal=[[Harijan#Harijan: Mohandas Gandhi's publication|Harijan]] |volume=10 |issue=24 |access-date=5 May 2015}}</ref> Gandhi believed that the Arabs were the rightful occupants of Palestine, and was of the view that the Jews should return to their countries of origin.<ref name="Nissim">{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/gandhi-was-not-a-zionist-606236|title=Gandhi was not a Zionist|work=Jerusalem Post|date=29 October 2019|access-date=26 November 2020|first=Nissim|last=Moses|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122051644/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/gandhi-was-not-a-zionist-606236|archive-date=22 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Albert Einstein]] wrote a four-page letter to [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] on June 13, 1947, to persuade India to support the setting up of a Jewish state. Nehru, however, couldn’t accept Einstein’s request, and explained his dilemma stating that national leaders have to “unfortunately” pursue policies that are “essentially selfish”.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/feb/16/israel.india|title=Einstein's other theory|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=16 February 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/pm-narendra-modi-visit-to-israel-india-dilemma-jawaharlal-nehru-albert-einstein/747998/|title=Narendra Modi ends India's Israel dilemma, 70 years after Einstein urged Nehru to support Jewish cause|date=4 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/tech-and-auto/tech-news/albert-einstein-connections-with-india-gandhi-nehru-and-tagore#read-more|title=From Gandhi to Tagore, A Look at Einstein's 'Desi' Connections|date=14 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.rediff.com/commentary/2020/jul/29/what-einstein-told-nehru/2141804291208b69cf12e79acd7ec69b|title=What Einstein told Nehru}}</ref> India voted against the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine|Partitioning of Palestine]] plan of 1947<ref>{{cite web |url=http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=H435119K32R51.2675&profile=voting&uri=full=3100023~!909562~!1&ri=1&aspect=power&menu=search&source=~!horizon |title=Future government of Palestine : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly |publisher=UN Bibliographic Information System |date=November 29, 1947 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117191040/http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=H435119K32R51.2675&profile=voting&uri=full=3100023~!909562~!1&ri=1&aspect=power&menu=search&source=~!horizon |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and voted against [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 273|Israel's admission to the United Nations]] in 1949.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=108V0691N26Y9.82&menu=search&aspect=power&npp=50&ipp=20&profile=voting&ri=&index=.VM&term=A/RES/273%28III%29 |title=Admission of Israel to membership in the United Nations : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly |publisher=UN Bibliographic Information System |date=May 5, 1949 |access-date=June 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117191040/http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=108V0691N26Y9.82&menu=search&aspect=power&npp=50&ipp=20&profile=voting&ri=&index=.VM&term=A%2FRES%2F273%28III%29 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Various proponents of [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalism]] supported or sympathised with the creation of Israel. [[Hindu Mahasabha]] leader [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] supported the creation of Israel on both moral and political grounds, and condemned India's vote at the UN against Israel.<ref name="RPaper1">{{cite journal |last=Abhyankar |first=Rajendra |date=March 2012 |title=The Evolution and Future of India-Israel Relations |url=http://132.66.16.6/humanities/abraham/india-israel.pdf |publisher=The S. Daniel Abraham Center for International and Regional Studies |access-date=6 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="Savarkar1">{{cite book |editor1-last=Savarkar |editor1-first=S.S. |editor2-last=Joshi |editor2-first=G.M. |date=May 28, 1967 |title=Historic Statements by Savarkar |url=http://www.savarkar.org/content/pdfs/en/historic_statements_by_savarkar.v001.pdf |publisher=G.P. Parchure |pages=135–136}}</ref> [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] leader [[Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar]] admired [[Zionism|Jewish nationalism]] and believed [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] was the natural territory of the Jewish people, essential to their [[Homeland for the Jewish people|aspiration for nationhood]].<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Jaffrelot |editor1-first=Christophe |date=2007 |title=Hindu Nationalism: A Reader |url=http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic1196744.files/Savarkar%20and%20Golwakar%20excerpts.pdf |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |page=108 |isbn=9780691130989}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Elst |first=Koenraad |date=February 18, 2015 |title=Return of the Swastika: Hate and Hysteria versus Hindu Sanity |publisher=[[Voice of India]] |page=204 |isbn=9788185990798}}</ref>

===Informal recognition (1950–1991)===
On 17 September 1950, India officially recognised the State of Israel.<ref name="INIS" /> Following India's recognition of Israel, Indian [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] stated, "we would have [recognised Israel] long ago, because Israel is a fact. We refrained because of our desire not to offend the sentiments of our friends in the Arab countries."<ref name="INIS" /> In 1953, Israel was permitted to open a consulate in Bombay (now Mumbai). However, the Nehru government did not want to pursue full diplomatic relations with Israel as it supported the Palestinian cause, and believed that permitting Israel to open an embassy in New Delhi would damage relations with the Arab world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm|title=RAW & Mossad: The Secret Link|website=rediff.com}}</ref>

[[File:J P Narayan.JPG|thumb|right|[[Jayaprakash Narayan]] meeting [[David Ben-Gurion]], 1958]]

From India's recognition of Israel in 1950 to the early 1990s, the relationship remained informal in nature. Israel supported India during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/israel-secretly-provided-arms-to-india-in-1971-book/articleshow/25068719.cms|title=Israel secretly provided arms to India in 1971: Book | India News - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> India's opposition to official diplomatic relations with Israel stemmed from both domestic and foreign considerations. Domestically, politicians in India feared losing the Muslim vote if relations were normalised with Israel.<ref name="NJA">{{cite book |last1=Aafreedi |first1=Navras |chapter=The Impact of Domestic Politics on India's Attitudes towards Israel and Jews |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260115227 |editor1-last=Singh |editor1-first=Priya |editor2-first=Bhattacharya |editor2-last=Susmita |date=2012 |title=Perspectives on West Asia: The Evolving Geopolitical Discourses |publisher=Shipra Publications |pages=171–183 |isbn=9788175416376}}</ref><ref name="DEF1">{{cite journal |last=Naaz |first=Farah |date=2000 |title=Indo‐Israel military cooperation |journal=Strategic Analysis |publisher=[[Routledge]] |volume=24 |issue=5 |pages=969–985 |doi=10.1080/09700160008455261 |s2cid=154177438 }}</ref>

Additionally, India did not want to jeopardise the large amount of its citizens working in [[Arab States of the Persian Gulf]], who were helping India maintain its [[Foreign exchange reserves of India|foreign-exchange reserves]].<ref name="NJA" /><ref name="rubin1">{{cite journal |last=Pant |first=Harsh V. |date=December 2004 |title=India-Israel Partnership: Convergence and Constraints |url=http://www.rubincenter.org/meria/2004/12/pant.pdf |journal=[[Middle East Review of International Affairs]] |publisher=Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=60–73 |access-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117131304/http://www.rubincenter.org/meria/2004/12/pant.pdf |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> India's domestic need for energy was another reason for the lack of normalisation of ties with Israel, in terms of safeguarding the flow of oil from Arab nations.<ref name="NJA" /><ref name="rubin1" /> India's foreign policy goals and alliances also proved problematic to formal relations with Israel, including India's support for the pro-[[Palestine Liberation Organization]] [[Non-Aligned Movement]], India's tilt towards the [[Soviet Union]] during the [[Cold War]], and India's desire to counter [[Pakistan's]] influence with the Arab states.<ref name="rubin1" /> On an ideological level, the dominant political party in India during this era, namely the [[Indian National Congress]], opposed Israel due to their perception that it was a state based on religion, analogous to Pakistan.<ref name="rubin1" />

Although there was no formal relationship for several decades, meetings and cooperation took place between both countries, including figures such as [[Moshe Dayan]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The kaoboys of R & AW : down memory lane|last=B.|first=Raman|date=2007|publisher=Lancer|isbn=978-0979617430|location=New Delhi|oclc=164636265}}</ref> Israel also provided India with crucial information during its multiple wars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israeli help and Indian jugaad in recapture of Tiger Hill|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/israeli-help-and-indian-jugaad-in-recapture-of-tiger-hill-4735806/|website=The Indian Express|access-date=5 July 2017|date=5 July 2017}}</ref>

===Rapprochement and full recognition (1992–present)===
After decades of [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-aligned]] and pro-Arab policy, India formally established relations with Israel when it opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in January 1992.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roche|first1=Elizabeth|title=India differs with US on Jerusalem as capital of Israel|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/r8Ys92tbtupKEfPdQvoGmI/India-unlikely-to-support-US-move-to-recognize-Jerusalem-as.html|website=Mint|access-date=8 December 2017|date=7 December 2017}}</ref> Ties between the two nations have flourished since, primarily due to common strategic interests and security threats. In 1999 Israel supported India in [[Kargil war]] by providing arms and ammunitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/israel-helped-india-during-kargil-war-modi-in-israel-diplomatic-ties-1022521-2017-07-05|title=How Israel helped India during the Kargil war}}</ref> The formation of [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC), which allegedly neglected the sentiments of Indian Muslims, and the blocking of India by Pakistan from joining the OIC are considered to be the causes of this diplomatic shift.<ref>{{cite web | title = Bilateral Relations: Historical Overview | publisher = Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs | url = http://delhi.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/document.asp?SubjectID=2010&MissionID=93&LanguageID=0&StatusID=0&DocumentID=-1 | access-date = 2008-11-28}}</ref><ref>c.f. C. Jaffrelot, op.cit.</ref><ref>[http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=2411 c.f. A Financial Times article].</ref> On a diplomatic level, both the countries have managed to maintain healthy relations despite India's repeated strong condemnations of Israeli military actions in [[Palestinian territories]], which are believed by analysts to be motivated by the [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) government's desire for [[Muslim]] votes in India.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/the-india-cables/West-Asia-policy-hostage-to-lsquoMuslim-vote/article14949553.ece | title=West Asia policy hostage to 'Muslim vote' | newspaper=The Hindu | date=15 March 2011 | access-date=October 7, 2012 | author=Suroor, Hasan}}</ref>

At the height of the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict|tension between Israel and Hamas]] in July 2014, India offered a rhetorical condemnation holding both sides responsible for erupting violence and asked Israel to stop "disproportionate use of force" in Gaza which was read by many as departure from tradition of more vocal supports for the Palestinian cause. External Affairs Minister [[Sushma Swaraj]] insisted that "there is absolutely no change in India's policy towards Palestine, which is that we fully support the Palestinian cause while maintaining good relations with Israel." clarifying India's current position on the issue. While that might sound to some like fence-sitting, it is a policy shared by all Indian governments over the past 20 years following the establishment of formal diplomatic relation in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/3/modi-israel-relations.html|title=Why Modi's India aligns more closely with Israel than with Palestinians|publisher=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=3 August 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Swaraj, a seasoned parliamentarian, had herself blocked the opposition demand in [[Rajya Sabha]] for passing a resolution condemning Israel for [[2014 Israel-Gaza conflict]] by saying that "India has friendly relation with both Israel and Palestine and therefore any such move may impact its friendship negatively".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/modi-govts-dilemma-over-israel-palestine-conflict/20140716.htm|title=Modi govt's dilemma over Israel-Palestine conflict|publisher=[[Rediff]]|date=16 July 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Although later in a symbolic gesture India joined others BRICS nations in voting at the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] for a probe into the alleged human rights violation in Gaza, which generated mixed response among media and analysts in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/gaza-crisis-modi-govts-unhrc-vote-against-israel-must-be-lauded-1633149.html|title=Gaza crisis: Modi govt's UNHRC vote against Israel must be lauded|work=Firstpost|date=25 July 2014|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> When the UNHRC report alleging that Israel had committed war crimes was tabled for vote, India abstained from voting, one of five countries to do so. 41 nations voted in favour, and the United States was the only vote against.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/india-abstains-from-unhrc-vote-against-israel/article7383796.ece|title=India abstains from UNHRC vote against Israel|first=Suhasini|last=Haidar|newspaper=The Hindu|date=3 July 2015|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Israeli envoy to India Daniel Carmon thanked India for not supporting what he described as "another anti Israel bashing resolution".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/warming-ties-israel-thanks-india-for-abstaining-on-unhrc-vote-115070400700_1.html|title=Warming ties: Israel thanks India for abstaining on UNHRC vote|last=IANS|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=4 July 2015|via=Business Standard}}</ref>

India–Israel relationship has been very close and warm under the premiership of [[Narendra Modi]] since 2014. In 2017, he was the first ever Prime Minister of India to visit Israel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/india/1551356/what-explains-modis-bonhomie-with-israels-netanyahu/|title=Here's why Hindu nationalists aspire to Israel's "ethnic democracy"}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/13801/india-israel-ties-set-to-blossom-under-modi|title = India-Israel Ties Set to Blossom Under Modi}}</ref> India was the largest arms customer of Israel in 2017. Defence relations between the two countries are longstanding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/09092019-israels-arms-sales-to-india-bedrock-of-a-strategic-partnership-analysis/|title=Israel's Arms Sales to India: Bedrock of a Strategic Partnership – Analysis|date=9 September 2019}}</ref>

India voted in favour of Israel's resolution to deny observer status to Palestinian non-governmental organization Shahed at the [[UN Economic and Social Council]] (ECOSOC) on 6 June 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=India backs Israel to keep Palestinian group out of UN bodies |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-backs-israeli-resolution-at-un-body-to-deny-observer-status-to-palestinian-group/story-Sush1pLviAg2N59tf3K9hK.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=11 June 2019 |language=en |date=11 June 2019}}</ref>

==Diplomatic visits==
===1997===

[[Ezer Weizman]] became the first Israeli President to visit India in 1997.<ref name="RivlinJPos" />

===2000===

In 2000, L.K Advani became the first Indian minister to visit the state of Israel<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/06/15/stories/01150009.htm|website=[[The Hindu]]|title=Advani meets Israeli President|date=2000-06-15|access-date=2017-07-06}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Later that year, [[Jaswant Singh]] became the first Indian [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Foreign Minister]] to visit Israel.<ref>[http://www.ujc.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=27406 Peres Visit Highlights Growing Ties Between Israel and New Ally India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118141410/http://www.ujc.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=27406 |date=2006-11-18 }},''United Jewish Communities''</ref> Following the visit, the two countries set up a joint anti-terror commission. The foreign ministers of the two countries said intensified co-operation would range from counter-terrorism to information technology.<ref>[https://fas.org/news/india/2000/000703-israel1.htm India/Israel],''fas.org''</ref><ref>[http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/00june30/national.htm#7 Jaswant to visit Israel to boost bilateral ties] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060320043711/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/00june30/national.htm#7 |date=2006-03-20 }},''The Daily Excelsior''</ref>

===2003===

[[File:SharonVisit.jpg|thumb|Israeli and Indian flags in New Delhi during Ariel Sharon's visit, September 2003]]

In 2003, [[Ariel Sharon]] was the first [[Prime Minister of Israel|Israeli Prime Minister]] to visit India. He was welcomed by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) led [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] coalition government of India.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/sharon.htm Ariel Sharon's India visit],''rediff.com''</ref> Several newspapers expressed positive views on his visit, and [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] voiced confidence that Sharon's visit would pave the way for further consolidating bilateral ties.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08sharon5.htm Ariel Sharon arrives in India],''Rediff.com''</ref> Sharon's visit was condemned in leftist<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/09sharon5.htm Left wants 'killer' Sharon to go home],''Rediff.com''</ref> and [[Muslim]] circles.<ref name="bbc2">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3089466.stm India and Israel vow to fight terrorism],''BBC''</ref> Hundreds of supporters of India's various communist parties rallied in New Delhi while nearly 100 Muslims were arrested in Mumbai.<ref name="bbc2"/> Students of [[Aligarh Muslim University]] demanded that India sever ties with Israel and increase ties with Palestine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/04sharon.htm |title=AMU students protest against Sharon's visit |work=Rediff.com |access-date=2013-06-17}}</ref> The [[Hindi]]-language daily ''[[Navbharat Times]]'' called Sharon "an important friend of India." The [[Hindu nationalist]] [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) condemned the protest against Sharon.<ref name="rss">{{cite web|url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/10sharon11.htm |title=RSS slams Left for opposing Sharon's visit |publisher=Us.rediff.com |access-date=2013-06-17}}</ref><ref name="Gcache-rss">{{cite web|url=http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/10sharon11.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720195655/http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/10sharon11.htm|url-status=dead|title=RSS slams Left for opposing Sharon's visit|date=20 July 2012|archive-date=20 July 2012}}</ref> Sharon expressed satisfaction over his talks with Indian leaders. Indian Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] said the visit would increase ties between India and Israel.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08sharon3.htm Sharon's visit will consolidate ties PM],''rediff.com''</ref> Sharon invited Vajpayee to visit Israel.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/10sharon6.htm Sharon invites Vajpayee to Israel],''rediff.com''</ref> Sharon said that Israelis "regard India to be one of the most important countries in the world," and Vajpayee was sure that Sharon's visit would bring the two countries closer together.<ref name="bbc2"/>

===2006===

In early 2006 Indian government ministers [[Sharad Pawar]], [[Kapil Sibal]] and [[Kamal Nath]] visited Israel.<ref name="talk">[http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/feb/09israel.htm Talk to Palestine, Israel tells India] Rediff – February 09, 2006</ref> Gujarat Chief Minister, [[Narendra Modi]] visited Israel in October 2006.<ref>[http://www.narendramodi.in/pages/119] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921060650/http://www.narendramodi.in/pages/119|date=September 21, 2008}}</ref>

===2012===

Despite "India's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause", Foreign Minister [[SM Krishna]] made a two-day visit to Israel in 2012. The Israeli PM deemed this visit by Krishna a historical step forward in developing the relations between the two nations.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-12/news/30619683_1_unforgettable-leaders-bilateral-ties-israeli-president | work=The Times Of India | title=External Affairs Minister S M Krishna's visit to Israel marks new high in bilateral ties | date=2012-01-12}}</ref><ref>[http://www.idsa.in/issuebrief/ForeignMinisterKrishnasVisittoIsrael_sscrajiv_160112 Foreign Minister Krishna's Visit to Israel: Adding Political Content to a Robust Partnership]. Full report here [http://www.idsa.in/system/files/IB_KrishnaIsraelVisit.pdf]. January 16, 2012. ''idsa.in''</ref>

===2014===

In May 2014 after victory of [[Narendra Modi]] in [[2014 Indian general election|2014 general election]] Israeli PM [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] personally congratulated Modi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.591033|title=Netanyahu Congratulates Narendra Modi for Victory in India Election|last=Reuters|date=16 May 2014|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> Modi in turn met his Israeli counterpart [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] in [[New York City]] on the sideline of the UN General Assembly during his US visit in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Modi-meets-Israeli-PM-Netanyahu-discusses-defence-cooperation-west-Asia/articleshow/43786932.cms|title=Modi meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, discusses defence cooperation, west Asia | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> This was the first meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries in over a decade.<ref>{{cite web|title='My Friend, Awaiting Your Historic Visit': Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu To PM Narendra Modi|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/my-friend-awaiting-your-historic-visit-israels-netanyahu-to-pm-modi-1680650|website=NDTV.com|access-date=13 April 2017}}</ref> On the occasion of the [[Hanukkah]] festival, Indian PM Modi greeted his Israeli counterpart in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] on [[Twitter]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiablooms.com/news-details/N/6757/pm-modi-greets-jews-on-hanukkah.html|title=PM Modi greets Jews on Hanukkah | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management|website=Indiablooms.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.jagran.com/|title=English News Headlines: Latest News Today, Breaking News from India & World|website=Jagran English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.chennaionline.com/national/Modi-greets-Jews-on-Hanukkah--impresses-Netanyahu---/4ba68327-afa2-46d5-8519-bf312510c030.col|title=Modi greets Jews on Hanukkah, impresses Netanyahu|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320114200/http://news.chennaionline.com/national/Modi-greets-Jews-on-Hanukkah--impresses-Netanyahu---/4ba68327-afa2-46d5-8519-bf312510c030.col|archive-date=2015-03-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> while the Israeli PM replied in [[Hindi]].

[[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Indian Home Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]] visited Israel in November 2014 to observe the country's border security arrangements. During his tour he also met Israeli PM Netanyahu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajnath-Singh-in-Jerusalem-today-Israel-says-visit-very-significant/articleshow/45046899.cms|title=israel: Rajnath Singh in Jerusalem today, Israel says visit 'very significant' | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/rajnath-singh-in-israel-to-bolster-ties-meets-benjamin-natanyahu/|title=Rajnath Singh in Israel to bolster ties, meets Benjamin Natanyahu|date=7 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajnath-singh-arrives-in-israel/article6569960.ece|title=Rajnath for strengthening ties with Israel|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 November 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Breaking from convention, Singh was the first Indian minister to visit Israel without also visiting Palestine on the same trip.<ref name="TOIRajnath"/> In the same year, former Israeli President [[Shimon Peres]] visited India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-11-06/news/55835950_1_congress-president-sonia-gandhi-pm-modi-indian-council|title=Israel's former President Shimon Peres to visit India, call upon PM Modi and Sonia Gandhi}}</ref> A high level Israeli delegation with the [[Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Israel)|Agriculture Minister of Israel]], [[Yair Shamir]], also participated in the [[Vibrant Gujarat]] summit in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/DisplayNewsUpdate.htm?NewsUpdateId=474|title=Vibrant Gujarat Summit: India, Israel Sign Pact for Third Phase of Agriculture Project|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124162623/https://vibrantgujarat.com/DisplayNewsUpdate.htm?NewsUpdateId=474|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/DisplayNewsUpdate.htm?NewsUpdateId=493|title=Ashkelon city of Israel signs twin city pact with Vadodara|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124162615/https://vibrantgujarat.com/DisplayNewsUpdate.htm?NewsUpdateId=493|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vibrant-gujarat-summit-india-israel-sign-pact-for-third-phase-of-agriculture-project-726224 Vibrant Gujarat Summit: India, Israel Sign Pact for Third Phase of Agriculture Project]</ref> In December 2014, a news article was published in ''[[The Hindu]]'' which stated that "India may end support to Palestine at UN".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-may-end-support-to-palestine-at-un/article6713364.ece|title=India may end support to Palestine at U.N.|first=Amit|last=Baruah|newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 December 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

===2015===

[[File:Pranab Mukherjee with Reuven Rivlin (3).JPG|thumb|right|250px|[[List of Presidents of India|13th]] [[President of India]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] with [[List of Presidents of Israel|10th]] [[President of Israel]] [[Reuven Rivlin]] and [[Nechama Rivlin]] in 2015]]

In February 2015 [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Israeli Defence Minister]] [[Moshe Ya'alon]] came to [[India]]. During his visit he participated in [[Aero India]] 2015. He also met his Indian counterpart, as well as the Indian PM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Israels-defence-minister-to-visit-India-for-first-time/articleshow/46135424.cms|title=Israel's defence minister to visit India for first time | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/airshow-india-israel-idINKBN0LM0WD20150218|title=Israeli defence minister lands at Bengaluru airshow to boost arms...|first=Tommy|last=Wilkes|newspaper=Reuters|date=18 February 2015}}</ref> [[Pranab Mukherjee]] became the first [[Indian President|President Of India]] to visit Israel from October 13 to 15, 2015. Mukherjee was given the rare honour of addressing the [[Knesset]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/in-a-first-president-mukherjee-to-visit-israel-palestine-next-week/|title=President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Israel, Palestine next week|date=7 October 2015}}</ref>

===2016===

[[File:Flickr-PM Modi With President Rivlin Of Israel (30333195374).jpg|thumb|Israeli President [[Reuven Rivlin]] (left) with Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], during a joint press briefing in New Delhi; November 2016]]

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Israel in January 2016. During the visit, she visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, members of the cabinet, and the Indian Jewish communities in Israel.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/India-attaches-top-priority-to-ties-with-Israel-Swaraj/article14005402.ece|title=India attaches top priority to ties with Israel: Swaraj|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 January 2016|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

In September 2016, [[Minister of Agriculture (India)|Indian Minister of Agriculture]], [[Radha Mohan Singh]] visited Israel to bolster India-Israel agricultural ties. He met his Israeli counterpart [[Uri Ariel]], where the discussion concerned about collaborative opportunities in agriculture between both the countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/israeli-indian-agriculture-ministers-promote-expanded-collaboration-468145|title=Israeli, Indian agriculture ministers promote expanded collaboration|website=The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com}}</ref>

Israeli President [[Reuven Rivlin]] visited India for a week-long state visit in November 2016, becoming the second Israeli President to visit the country. Rivlin visited New Delhi, Agra, Karnal, Chandigarh and Mumbai. He spent the last day of his visit in Mumbai paying homage to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and meeting with the Indian Jewish community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in India on week-long visit|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/israeli-president-reuven-rivlin-in-india-on-week-long-visit/story-9uYP2SbMlEMn2J3czX3LWM.html|website=hindustantimes.com|access-date=25 November 2016|date=14 November 2016}}</ref> Israel currently regards Iran as a major threat to its national security, and Rivlin expressed this concern in meetings with Prime Minister Modi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/rivlin-we-spoke-with-modi-about-our-concerns-with-iran-473110|title=Israel presses India on Iran threat|website=The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com}}</ref> Following his visit, Rivlin told Israel media that despite growing economic ties with both countries, the Indian government had assured him that India would support Israel despite the former's relations with Iran. Rivlin told ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]'', "They assure us that when the time will come they will never, never, ever let anyone [act against] the existence of Israel."<ref name="RivlinJPos">{{cite web|title=Rivlin to JPost: India won't let anyone threaten Israel's right to exist|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Rivlin-to-Post-India-wont-let-anyone-threaten-Israels-right-to-exist-473410|website=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=25 November 2016}}</ref>

==Official state visits==
===Narendra Modi's visit to Israel (2017)===
In July 2017, [[Narendra Modi]] became the first ever [[Prime Minister Of India|Indian Prime Minister]] to visit [[Israel]]. It was noted that Prime Minister Modi did not visit Palestine during the trip, breaking from convention. With the sole exception of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, previous trips by Indian ministers and President Mukherjee included visits to both Israel and Palestine. The Indian media described the move as the "dehyphenation" of India's relations with the two states.<ref name="TOIRajnath">{{cite web|title=Change of policy? PM Modi will visit Israel, but skip Palestine|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-will-give-palestine-a-miss-when-he-visits-israel/articleshow/57456252.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Plan to dehyphenate ties: PM Modi's visit to Israel may not include Palestine stop|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/plan-to-dehyphenate-pm-modis-israel-visit-may-not-include-palestine-4553099/|website=The Indian Express|access-date=3 March 2017|date=4 March 2017}}</ref>

As a personal gesture, [[Israel]] named a new type of [[Chrysanthemum]] flower, after [[Narendra Modi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/introducing-the-modi-flower-israel-names-chrysanthemum-after-indian-pm-498820|title=Introducing the 'Modi' flower: Israel names chrysanthemum after Indian PM|website=The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com}}</ref> The media houses of both countries had termed the visit to be 'historic', where India had finally brought its relations with [[Israel]] out of the closet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/indian-pm-modi-to-arrive-in-israel-for-historic-3-day-visit/|title=Indian PM Modi makes 'historic' 3-day visit to Israel|first=Raphael|last=Ahren|website=timesofisrael.com}}</ref> During the visit, [[India]] and [[Israel]] signed 7 MoUs, which are listed as below:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-seals-7-big-mous-with-israel-what-are-they-how-will-they-help-india-tel-aviv/750646/|title=PM Narendra Modi seals 7 big MoUs with Israel: What are they, How will they help India, Tel Aviv|date=July 5, 2017}}</ref>

# MoU for setting up of India-Israel Industrial Research and Development and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)
# MoU for Water Conservation in India
# MoU on State Water Utility Reform in India
# India-Israel Development Cooperation – 3-year work program in Agriculture 2018–2020
# Plan of cooperation regarding atomic clocks
# MoU regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link
# MoU regarding cooperation in Electric Propulsion for Small Satellites

India and Israel also signed an agreement, upgrading their bilateral relations to a 'strategic partnership'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-israel-elevate-their-ties-to-strategic-partnership/articleshow/59461930.cms|title=PM Modi in Israel: India, Israel elevate their ties to strategic partnership | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> During the trip, Prime Minister Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora in [[Israel]] in a highly televised event in [[Tel Aviv]]. In illustrating an Indian welcome to the Indian diaspora from its homeland, he announced [[Overseas Citizenship of India]] cards for Jews of Indian origin who had completed their compulsory military service in the [[Israel Defense Force]] and also pledged the construction of a major Indian cultural centre in Tel Aviv.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-addresses-indian-diaspora-in-israel-announces-cultural-centre-oci-cards-4737699/|title=PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in Israel; announces cultural centre, OCI cards|date=July 6, 2017}}</ref> Modi also visited the northern Israeli city of [[Haifa]], where he paid homage to the Indian soldiers of the Indian Army who had fallen to save Jewish land in the [[Battle of Haifa (1918)|Battle of Haifa]], and unveiled a special plaque commemorating the steadfast military leadership of [[Major Dalpat Singh]] who liberated the ancient city from the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-visits-haifa-pays-homage-to-indian-world-war-i-heroes/articleshow/59471246.cms|title=Narendra Modi: PM Modi visits Haifa, pays homage to Indian World War I heroes | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

===Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India (2018)===
In January, to commemorate 25 years of Indian-Israeli relations,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/india-s-internet-hindus-are-in-love-with-israel-1.5730730|title=India's 'Internet Hindus' Are in Love With Israel|last=Jain|first=Saudamini|date=Jan 15, 2018|website=haaretz|access-date=20 Apr 2018}}</ref> a highly televised visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu to India took place, during which both Netanyahu and India's Prime Minister Modi have exchanged mutual applauses. This visit was the first since the 2003 visit of [[Ariel Sharon]] to India. Netanyahu, accompanied by a 130-member delegation, the largest that has ever accompanied a visiting Israeli premier, wants to increase exports to India by 25 percent over the three years. Israel is to invest $68.6 million in areas such as tourism, technology, agriculture and innovation over a period of four years, a senior Israeli official had said ahead of the visit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/israel-to-invest-68-6-million-to-boost-cooperation-with-india/articleshow/62457089.cms|title=Israel to invest $68.6 million to boost cooperation with India|website=The Times of India|date=2018-01-11}}</ref>

During this visit, an official commemoration ceremony took place, that honoured the Indian soldiers who perished in the [[Battle of Haifa (1918)|Battle of Haifa]] during [[World War I]] took place, where Teen Murti Chowk, representing the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore lancers, was renamed 'Teen Murti Haifa Chowk', after the Israeli port city of [[Haifa]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/teen-murti-chowk-renamed-after-israeli-city-haifa/articleshow/62495844.cms|title=Teen Murti Chowk renamed after Israeli city Haifa|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> During the official visit by the Israeli Prime Minister, the two countries signed 9 MoUs in the fields of cybersecurity, oil & gas production, air transport, homeopathic medicine, film production, space technology and innovation,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=175631|title=List of MoUs/Agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister of Israel to India (January 15, 2018)|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> he also met with the heads of the Bollywood Movie Industry.<ref name=":0" /> Netanyahu's Indian visit also included effort to revive Rafael missiles for delhi.<ref name=":0" /> Netanyahu was also the guest of honour, and delivered the inaugural address in India's annual strategic and diplomatic conference, [[Raisina Dialogue]], where he highlighted various aspects of [[Israel]]'s success story as a high-tech and innovation-based economy, and also spoke about challenges plaguing the Middle East, while expressing hope and optimism for the future of his country's relations with India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/netanyahu-inaugurates-raisina-dialogue-says-india-israel-can-shape-a-good-future/articleshow/62528368.cms|title=Raisina Dialogue: Netanyahu inaugurates 'Raisina Dialogue', says India & Israel can shape a good future | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Notable leaders who attended his conference included [[Narendra Modi]], [[Sushma Swaraj]], former Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]], Indian Minister of State [[M J Akbar]] and [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Shashi Tharoor]]. Netanyahu 's son [[Yair Netanyahu]] was supposed to accompany the Israeli Premiere on Indian state visit but only a week prior to the visit a scandalous recording about Yair's private visit to a strip club with his friends was disclosed on Israel Television News main broadcast.<ref name=":0" />

==Military and strategic ties==
[[File:Narendra Modi visit to Israel, July 2017 (8563).jpg|thumb|10th [[President of Israel]] (middle) and [[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|Chief of General Staff]] of the [[Israel Defense Forces]] [[Gadi Eizenkot]] with Prime minister Narendra Modi]]
New Delhi found in the [[Defense industry of Israel]] a useful source of weapons, one that could supply it with advanced military technology. Thus was established the basis of a burgeoning arms trade, which reached almost $600 million in 2016, making Israel the second-largest source of defense equipment for India, after Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/what-brought-india-israel-together-21491|title=What Brought India and Israel Together|first=Mohammed|last=Ayoob|date=10 July 2017}}</ref>
India and Israel have increased co-operation in military and intelligence ventures since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The rise of [[Islamic terrorism|Islamic extremist terrorism]] in both nations has generated a strong strategic alliance between the two.<ref name="JINSA01">{{cite web|url=http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3,2360,1947,1948,1971 |title=India and Israel Forge a Solid Strategic Alliance |access-date=November 7, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107084915/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3%2C2360%2C1947%2C1948%2C1971 |archive-date=November 7, 2006 }} by Martin Sherman,''The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs''</ref> In 2008, India launched a [[military satellite]] [[TecSAR]] for Israel through its [[Indian Space Research Organisation]].<ref>[http://www.acpr.org.il/ins/articles/sherman1.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505044936/http://www.acpr.org.il/ins/articles/sherman1.htm|date=May 5, 2006}}</ref>

* In 1996, India purchased 32 [[IAI Searcher]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs), Electronic Support Measure sensors and an Air Combat Manoeuvering Instrumentation simulator system from Israel.<ref name="JINSA03"/> Since then [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI) has serviced several large contracts with the [[Indian Air Force]] including the upgrading of the IAF's Russian-made [[MiG-21]] ground attack aircraft and there have been further sales of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as [[laser-guided bomb]]s.<ref name="JINSA02">[http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3,2360,1947,1948,1971 India-Israel Military Ties Continue to Grow] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107084915/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3%2C2360%2C1947%2C1948%2C1971 |date=November 7, 2006 }},''The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs''</ref>
* In 1997, Israel's President [[Ezer Weizman]] became the first head of the Jewish state to visit India. He met with Indian President [[Shankar Dayal Sharma]], Vice President [[K R Narayanan]] and Prime Minister [[H D Deve Gowda]]. Weizman negotiated the first weapons deal between the two nations, involving the purchase of [[Barak 1]] vertically-launched [[Surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air (SAM) missiles]] from Israel. The Barak-1 has the ability to intercept [[anti-ship missile]]s such as the [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]].<ref name="JINSA03">The [[Barak Missile Deal Scandal]] involving graft for an unnecessary missile system would hamper relations in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/105/documentid/367/history/3,2359,947,653,105,367 |title=Israel-India Military and Civil Trade Ties Skyrocket |access-date=November 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002180249/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/105/documentid/367/history/3%2C2359%2C947%2C653%2C105%2C367 |archive-date=October 2, 2006 }},''The Jewish Institute for National security Affairs''</ref> The purchase of the Barak-1 missiles from Israel by India was a tactical necessity since Pakistan had purchased [[Lockheed P-3 Orion]] [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime surveillance aircraft]] and 27 [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] [[sea-skimming]] [[anti-ship missile]]s from the United States.<ref name="JINSA03"/> Israel was one of the selected few nations, a group that also included France and Russia, that did not condemn India's 1998 [[Pokhran-II]] nuclear tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Israel's+Indian+alliance:+the+Jewish+state+has+become+one+of+Hindu...-a0206110007 |title=Israel's Indian alliance: the Jewish state has become one of Hindu India's most important strategic allies, providing arms and intelligence in their common war against militant Islam. – Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=2012-11-09}}</ref>
* In 1999, Israel supported India in [[Kargil war]] by providing arms and ammunitions.<ref>[https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/israel-helped-india-during-kargil-war-modi-in-israel-diplomatic-ties-1022521-2017-07-05]
www.indiatoday.in</ref>
* In 2000, Israeli submarines reportedly conducted test launches of [[cruise missile]]s capable of carrying nuclear warheads in the waters of the [[Indian Ocean]], off the [[Sri Lanka]]n coast.<ref name="JINSA01"/> In naval terms, Israel sees great strategic value in an alliance with the [[Indian Navy]], given India's naval dominance of South Asian waters and Indian Ocean at large. Due to the great importance of maritime trade to the Israeli economy it thus sees the potential of establishing a logistical infrastructure in the [[Indian Ocean]] with the help of the Indian Navy.
* India purchased three [[EL/W-2090|Phalcon AWACS]], fitted with IAI radar equipment mounted on Russian IL-76 transport aircraft, in 2003 at cost of $1 billion.
* India purchased 50 Israeli drones for $220 million in 2005.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2005/051111-india-drones.htm India Israeli Drones] www.globalsecurity.org</ref> India was considering buying the newer Harop drone.<ref>[http://defense-update.com/products/h/harop.html Israel negotiating Harop drone with India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003749/http://defense-update.com/products/h/harop.html |date=2018-03-15 }} defense-update.com</ref> India is also in the process of obtaining missile-firing Hermes 450s.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}
* [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] Ltd signed a US$2.5 billion deal with India in 2007 to develop an anti-aircraft system and missiles for the country, in the biggest defence contract in the history of Israel at the time. IAI CEO Yitzhak Nissan visited India to finalise the agreement with heads of the defence establishment and the country's president. IAI is developing the [[Barak 8]] missile for the [[Indian Navy]] and [[Indian Air Force]] which is capable of protecting sea vessels and ground facilities from aircraft and cruise missiles. The missile has a range of over 70 kilometres. The missile will replace the current obsolete Russian system used by India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3425400,00.html |title=IAI signs $2.5 billion deal with India – Israel Business, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=1995-06-20 |access-date=2012-11-09|last1=Egozy |first1=Arieh }}</ref>
* On 10 November 2008, Indian military officials visited Israel to discuss joint weapons development projects, additional sales of Israeli equipment to the Indian military, and anti-terrorism strategies. The new round of talks was seen as a significant expansion in the Indian-Israeli strategic partnership.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rajat Pandit, TNN, 9 November 2008, 04:36AM IST |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/New_heights_India_Israel_step_up_defence_ties/rssarticleshow/3690525.cms |title=New heights: India, Israel step up defence ties – India – The Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=2008-11-09 |access-date=2012-11-09}}</ref>
* Following the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]], Israel offered a team of about 40 special-operations forces and assistance in investigations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3532333/Mumbai-attacks-Britain-sends-team-of-forensic-experts.html
|title=Mumbai-attacks-Britain-sends-team-of-forensic-experts|date=29 November 2008|access-date=1 December 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London | first=Damien | last=McElroy}}</ref> [[Tzipi Livni]] said: "If they need us we will help where needed".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3629955,00.html|title='We'll help India where needed' – Livni|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=27 November 2008|last1=Medzini|first1=Ronen}}</ref> [[Magen David Adom]] dispatched a team of paramedics, medics and other professionals to assist with rescue efforts in the wake of the attacks.<ref name="JPOST10free">{{cite news|url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702336066&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull|title=10 hostages reportedly freed from Mumbai Chabad House|last=Horovitz|first=David|author2=Matthew Wagner|date=27 November 2008|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=27 November 2008}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Israeli newspapers reported that the Manmohan Singh government turned down an offer by Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] to send [[counter-terrorist]] units to help fight the attackers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-indiaisrael29-2008nov29,0,440564.story|title=Israel has 'no doubt' citizens were targeted|first=Richard|last=Boudreaux|date=29 November 2008|via=LA Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1041731.html|title=India declines Israeli offer of aid delegation to Mumbai}}</ref>

* In December 2009, [[Lieutenant-General|Lt Gen]] [[Gabi Ashkenazi]], [[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces]], made a visit to India to cement the defence ties between the two countries. He pledged every help to India in fighting terrorism.<ref>{{cite news|title=IDF official announcement|url=http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/09/12/1001.htm|access-date=2010-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214042602/http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/09/12/1001.htm|archive-date=2009-12-14|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=JPOST article|url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1259831476468&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull|access-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511153030/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1259831476468&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull|archive-date=2011-05-11|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1133119.html|title=HAARETZ article}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/134822|title=IDF Chief of Staff Visits India - Defense/Middle East|website=Israel National News}}</ref>
* In March 2011, it was reported that India would buy 8356 Israeli [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[anti-tank missile]]s, 321 launchers, 15 training simulators and peripheral equipment, for $1 billion, from Israel's [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]. The deal was finalised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after coming into office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000633160&fid=1725 |title=Rafael in $1b Indian anti-tank missile deal – Globes(Israel's Business Arena) |newspaper=Globes |date=2011-03-24 |access-date=2013-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/143/indian_army_goes_for_israeli_spike_atgm_and_homemade_nag_atgm_contemplates_javelin_from_us.html |title=Defence Now India, News |publisher=Defencenow.com |date=2011-04-15 |access-date=2013-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618020349/http://www.defencenow.com/news/143/indian_army_goes_for_israeli_spike_atgm_and_homemade_nag_atgm_contemplates_javelin_from_us.html |archive-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:INS Trikand entering the port of Haifa, Israel.jpg|250px|thumb|[[INS Trikand|INS ''Trikand'']] entering the port of Haifa, Israel, 19 August 2015]]

* In September 2015, the Indian government approved the air force's request to purchase 10 Heron TP drones from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-israel-drones-idINKCN0RL2EC20150921|title=India turns to Israel for armed drones as Pakistan, China build fleets|first=Sanjeev|last=Miglani|newspaper=Reuters|date=21 September 2015}}</ref> In 2015, a delegation from Israel's Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs visited India, led by former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Dore Gold. Shared strategic interests were discussed, including combatting radical Islam, the handling of territorial disputes, and the security situation in West Asia/the Middle East and South Asia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grave-Lazi|first1=Lidar|title=Israeli delegation to visit India to strengthen strategic relationship|url=http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Israeli-delegation-to-visit-India-to-strengthen-strategic-relationship-388144|website=jpost.com|publisher=Jerusalem Post|access-date=16 June 2015|quote=As part of their visit, the parties intend to discuss the security situation in West Asia, including in Pakistan and in Iran. In addition, they will aim to analyze new trends in international terrorism and assess the current situation in the Middle East and South Asia.}}</ref>

[[File:Adm RK Dhowan greeting V Adm Ram Rutberg at South Block, New Delhi.JPG|thumb|250px|Indian Adm. [[Robin Dhowan]] greets VAdm. Ram Rutberg, Commander-in-Chief of the Israeli Navy at South Block, New Delhi, 24 August 2015]]

* In October 2015, ''The Pioneer'' reported that India and Israel were planning to hold their first joint military exercise. The date and location were not announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/india-israel-to-lift--defence-ties-veil.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008062716/http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/india-israel-to-lift--defence-ties-veil.html |archive-date=8 October 2015 |title=India, Israel to lift Defence ties veil}}</ref>
* In September 2016, the Indian government approved the purchase of two more Phalcon AWACS.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.706944|title=India Okays Spy Plane Deal With Israel Ahead of PM Modi's Visit|last=Haaretz|date=3 March 2016|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref>
* In 2017, the countries signed a military agreement worth US$2 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-inks-defence-deals-worth-over-2-billion-with-israel-ahead-of-pm-narendra-modis-visit/articleshow/58055478.cms|title=India inks defence deals worth over $2 billion with Israel ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit|date=7 April 2017|first=Rajat|last=Pandit|work=The Times of India}}</ref>
* In 2017, India participated in the [[Blue Flag (Israeli Air Force exercise)|Blue Flag exercise]] in Uvda Air Force Base in southern Israel for the first time, where it deployed its elite and [[Garud Commando Force]] and a Hercules C-130J plane from its "Veiled Vipers" Squadron. Indian and Israeli special forces conducted a range of tactical joint exercises, which included protection of strategic assets, ground infiltration and evacuation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-commandos-in-israel-for-2-week-long-blue-flag-military-drills/story-sNXH78lHnk3c2Qav7I3xPN.html|title=Indian commandos in Israel for 2-week long Blue Flag military drills|date=9 November 2017}}</ref>
*The Indian Air Force sent five [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] fighter aircraft to participate in Blue Flag 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=As Indian jets roar over Blue Flag, remembering Israel's love for Mirage fighters |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/10/21/as-indian-jets-roar-over-blue-flag-remembering-israel-love-for-mirage-fighters.html |website=The Week |access-date=11 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gross |first1=Judah Ari |title=IDF's largest-ever aerial exercise takes off, with India on board |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-kicks-off-its-largest-ever-international-aerial-exercise/ |website=Times of Israel |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref>
* The [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) and the [[Directorate of Defence Research and Development]] (DDR&D) signed a Bilateral Innovation Agreement on 9 November 2021. The agreement facilitates the joint production of defence technology such as drones, robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and other areas. Production will be jointly funded by both agencies and all technologies developed under the agreement will be available for use by both India and Israel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roche |first1=Elizabeth |title=India, Israel sign pact to speed up innovation, dual-use technology |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-israel-sign-pact-on-innovation-dual-use-tech-11636464371611.html |website=mint |access-date=11 November 2021 |language=en |date=9 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel, India agree to develop bilateral defense technology |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-india-agree-to-develop-bilateral-defence-technology-684692 |website=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref>

===Intelligence-sharing cooperation===
When the [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (RAW) was founded in September 1968 by [[Rameshwar Nath Kao]], he was advised by then Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] to cultivate links with [[Mossad]]. This was suggested as a countermeasure to military links between that of Pakistan and China, as well as with [[North Korea]]. Israel was also concerned that Pakistani army officers were training Libyans and Iranians in handling Chinese and North Korean military equipments.<ref name="RAW-MOSSAD">[http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm RAW and MOSSAD, the Secret Link],''rediff.com''</ref>

Pakistan believed intelligence relations between India and Israel threatened Pakistani security. When young Israeli tourists began visiting the Kashmir valley in the early 1990s, Pakistan suspected they were disguised Israeli army officers there to help Indian security forces with anti-terrorism operations. Israeli tourists were attacked, with one slain and another kidnapped. Pressure from the [[Kashmiri Muslims|Kashmiri Muslim]] diaspora in the [[United States]] led to the kidnapped tourist's eventual release. Kashmiri Muslims feared that the attacks could isolate the American Jewish community, and result in them lobbying the US government against Kashmiri separatist groups.<ref name="RAW-MOSSAD"/>

A [[Rediff]] story in 2003 revealed clandestine links between R&AW and Mossad. In 1996, R.K. Yadav, a former RAW official had filed a disproportionate assets case in the Delhi High Court against Anand Kumar Verma, RAW chief between 1987 and 1990. Yadav listed eight properties that he claimed were purchased illegally by Verma using RAW's unaudited funds for secret operations. Although his petition for a CBI inquiry into Verma's properties was dismissed, Yadav managed to obtain more information through a [[Right to Information Act, 2005|right to information request]] in 2005 and filed another case in 2009. In 2013, the CBI carried out an investigation of Verma's properties. Proceedings in the Delhi High Court revealed the names of two companies floated by RAW in 1988 – Piyush Investments and Hector Leasing and Finance Company Ltd. The firms were headed by two senior RAW officials V. Balachandran and B. Raman. Balachandran and Raman retired in 1994 and 1995 respectively. The companies were listed as trading houses that dealt in several kinds of minerals, automobiles, textiles, metals and spare parts, and also claimed to produce feature films. The companies purchased two flats in Gauri Sadan, a residential building on Hailey Road, New Delhi in March 1989 for {{INR}}23 lakh.<ref name="indiatoday.intoday.in">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/disproportionate-case-mossad-r-k--yadav-anand-kumar-verma/1/258012.html|title=An ex-RAW employee takes boss to unveil a riveting story of safe houses for Mossad, fake firms and secret funds|date=30 November 1999|website=India Today}}</ref>

''India Today'' reported that the two flats were RAW safe houses used as operational fronts for Mossad agents and housed Mossad's station chief between 1989 and 1992. RAW had reportedly decided to have closer ties to Mossad, and the subsequent secret operation was approved by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. ''India Today'' cites "RAW insiders" as saying that RAW agents hid a Mossad agent holding an Argentine passport and exchanged intelligence and expertise in operations, including negotiations for the release of an Israeli tourist by the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front militants in June 1991. When asked about the case Verma refused to speak about the companies, but claimed his relationship with them was purely professional. Raman stated, "Sometimes, spy agencies float companies for operational reasons. All I can say is that everything was done with government approval. Files were cleared by the then prime minister [Rajiv Gandhi] and his cabinet secretary. Balachandran stated, "It is true that we did a large number of operations but at every stage, we kept the Cabinet Secretariat and the prime minister in the loop."<ref name="indiatoday.intoday.in"/>

In November 2015, ''The Times of India'' reported that agents from Mossad and MI5 were protecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Turkey. Modi was on a state visit to the United Kingdom and was scheduled to attend the 2015 G-20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey. The paper reported that the agents had been called in to provide additional cover to Modi's security detail, composed of India's Special Protection Group and secret agents from RAW and IB, in wake of the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mossad-MI5-roped-in-to-shield-Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi-in-Turkey/articleshow/49786782.cms|title=Mossad, MI5 roped in to shield Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Turkey? | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mossad-may-be-protecting-modi-at-turkey-g-20-summit-paper-claims/|title=Mossad may be protecting Modi at Turkey G20 summit, paper claims|website=timesofisrael.com}}</ref>

On 14 February 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 40 Central Reserve Police Force personals were killed by the bomber. Israel responded to India, offering "unconditional support" to the Indian Army and the Government. Israel has informed that they will share intelligence and technology to help India respond.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/israel-offers-unconditional-help-to-india-to-defend-itself-especially-against-terror-envoy/articleshow/68065298.cms|title= Israel offers unconditional help to India to defend itself especially against terror envoy|newspaper= The Economic Times}}</ref>

==Bilateral trade==
[[File:State Bank of India in Israel.JPG|thumb|right|The Israeli headquarters of the [[State Bank of India]], located in [[Ramat Gan]], [[Tel Aviv District]]]]
[[Bilateral trade]] between India and Israel grew from $200 million in 1992 to $4.52 billion in 2014.<ref name="IE">{{cite web|url=http://www.indembassy.co.il/pages.php?id=14#.VUf6GZO8ruE|title=India-Israel Economic and Commercial Relations|date=February 2014|publisher=[[List of diplomatic missions of India#Asia|Embassy of India- Tel Aviv, Israel]]|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505021247/http://www.indembassy.co.il/pages.php?id=14#.VUf6GZO8ruE|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ISE">{{cite web |url=http://itrade.gov.il/india/israel-india/ |title=Overview of India-Israel Bilateral Trade and Economic Relations |publisher=[[List of diplomatic missions of Israel#Asia|Israel Trade & Economic Office- Embassy of Israel, India]] |date=2012 |access-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> As of 2014, India is Israel's tenth-largest trade partner and import source, and seventh-largest export destination.<ref name="IE" /> India's major exports to Israel include precious stones and metals, organic chemicals, electronic equipment, plastics, vehicles, machinery, engines, pumps, clothing and textiles, and medical and technical equipment. Israel's imports from India amounted to $2.3 billion or 3.2% of its overall imports in 2014.<ref name="worldsrichestcountries.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com/top_israel_imports.html|title=Top Israel Imports|website=worldsrichestcountries.com}}</ref> Israel's major exports to India include precious stones and metals, electronic equipment, fertilisers, machines, engines, pumps, medical and technical equipment, organic and inorganic chemicals, salt, sulphur, stone, cement, and plastics. Israeli exports to India amounted to $2.2 billion or 3.2% of its overall exports in 2014.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsrichestcountries.com/top_israel_exports.html|title=Top Israel Exports|website=worldsrichestcountries.com}}</ref> The two countries have also signed a 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/indiaisrael-dtaa-protocol-notified/article9553914.ece|title=India-Israel DTAA protocol notified|website=@businessline|date=21 February 2017 }}</ref>

In 2007, Israel proposed starting negotiations on a free trade agreement with India, and in 2010, then Indian Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] accepted that proposal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/india-israel-to-hold-free-trade-talks-1.263723 |title=India, Israel to hold free-trade talks |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=February 25, 2010 |first=Ora |last=Coren |access-date=June 24, 2015}}</ref><ref name="FTAN">{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-07/news/42794527_1_india-alon-ushpiz-free-trade-agreement-israel-minister |title=Free Trade Agreement may double India-Israel trade to $10 bn in 5 years |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=June 24, 2015}}</ref> The agreement is set to focus on many key economic sectors, including information technology, biotechnology, water management, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.<ref name="FTAECO">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-israel-fta-not-likely-to-be-signed-soon-115021100249_1.html|title=India, Israel FTA not likely to be signed soon|last=Basu|first=Nayanima|date=February 13, 2015|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> In 2013, then Israeli [[Ministry of Economy (Israel)|Minister of Economy]] [[Naftali Bennett]] projected a doubling of trade from $5 to $10 billion between the two countries, if a free trade agreement was successfully negotiated.<ref name="FTAN" /> As of 2015, negotiations on a free trade agreement continue, with both countries considering negotiating a more narrow free trade agreement on goods, followed by separate agreements on trade in investment and services.<ref name="FTAECO" />

Following the coronavirus pandemic, on 9 April 2020, India exported to Israel a five-ton shipment of drugs and chemicals. The consignment included ingredients for the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. On this occasion, Sanjeev Singla, India's ambassador to Israel stressed the bilateral ties between both the countries. It was in March 2020, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Modi to exempt Israel from the export ban on raw materials used to make medicines which would help in treating the patients affected with coronavirus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/materials-used-in-experimental-drugs-against-covid-19-said-to-arrive-from-india|via=www.timesofisrael.com|title=Materials used in experimental drugs against virus arrive in Israel from India}}</ref> [[Israel]] will be sending life-saving equipment including [[Chemical oxygen generator|oxygen generators]] and [[Workplace respirator testing|respirators]] to [[India]] throughout the week to assist it in the fight against [[coronavirus]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Indian Defence|first=News|date=9 May 2021|title=Israel to Send Life-Saving Medical Equipment to India Amid COVID-19 Crisis|work=[[The Indian Hawk]]|url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2021/05/israel-to-send-life-saving-medical-equipment-to-india-amid-covid-19-crisis.html|access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref>

The 10 major commodities exported from India to Israel were:<ref name="worldsrichestcountries.com"/>

# [[Gemstone|Gems]], [[precious metals]] and coins: $973.6 million
# [[Organic chemicals]]: $296.5 million
# [[Electronic equipment]]: $121.2 million
# Medical, technical equipment: $59.3 million
# [[Plastics]]: $56.4 million
# [[Vehicles]]: $44.4 million
# [[Machinery]]: $38.1 million
# Other textiles, worn clothing: $31.8 million
# Knit or crochet clothing: $31.6 million
# Clothing (not knit or crochet): $30.8 million

Israeli exports to India amounted to $2.3 billion or 3.8% of its overall exports in 2015. The 10 major commodities exported from Israel to India were:<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

# [[Gemstone|Gems]], [[precious metals]] and coins: $933.7 million
# [[Electronic equipment]]: $389.3 million
# Medical, technical equipment: $180.7 million
# [[Iron]] or [[steel]] products: $170.3 million
# [[Fertilisers]]: $157 million
# [[Machinery]]: $110.9 million
# [[Organic chemicals]]: $69.8 million
# Other chemical goods: $44.2 million
# [[Inorganic chemicals]]: $43.6 million
# [[Plastics]]: $29.5 million

==Science and technology collaboration==
In 1993, during the visit to India of then [[Israeli Foreign Minister]] [[Shimon Peres]], India and Israel signed an agreement on science and technology, which allowed for direct scientific cooperation between both governments. Specific areas of cooperation included [[information technology]], [[biotechnology]], [[lasers]], and [[electro-optics]]. Additionally, a joint committee to monitor collaboration between the two nations was established and set to meet biennially.<ref name="BookRef01">{{cite book |last=Sreekantan Nair |first=R |date=2004 |title=Dynamics of a Diplomacy Delayed: India and Israel |url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3084823 |publisher=Kalpaz Publications |pages=159–161 |isbn=978-8178351803}}</ref> In 1994, a $3 million joint science and technology fund was set up to facilitate [[R&D]] collaboration between both countries.<ref name="BookRef01"/>

In 1996, Indian scientists attended a seminar on [[Materials science|advanced materials]] in Israel. In 1997, Israeli scientists attended a seminar on biotechnology in [[Delhi]]. In 1998, India and Israel had 22 ongoing joint research projects. A joint symposium on the [[human genome]] was held in [[Jerusalem]], where six Indian scientists took part.<ref name="BookRef01"/><ref>{{Cite report |title=Annual Report 1999-2000:Bilateral Cooperation |url=http://dst.gov.in/about_us/ar99-2000-istp-bc.htm |publisher=[[Department of Science and Technology (India)]] |access-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910030619/http://www.dst.gov.in/about_us/ar99-2000-istp-bc.htm |archive-date=2015-09-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In November 1999, India and Israel agreed on four proposals for joint research projects in the field of human genome research.<ref name="BookRef01"/> In 2000, even more joint projects related to human genome research were agreed on, and a status seminar on this field was held in India.<ref>{{Cite report |title=Annual Report 2000-2001:Bilateral Cooperation |url=http://dst.gov.in/about_us/ar00-01international-st.htm |publisher=[[Department of Science and Technology (India)]] |access-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911014309/http://www.dst.gov.in/about_us/ar00-01international-st.htm |archive-date=2015-09-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In early 1999, more than 20 Israeli scientists participated in a physics symposium on [[condensed matter]] in Delhi.<ref name="BookRef01"/> In 2001, a similar symposium was held in Jerusalem, with 18 Indian scientists attending.<ref>{{Cite report |title=Annual Report 2001-2002:Bilateral Cooperation |url=http://dst.gov.in/about_us/ar01-02-international.htm |publisher=[[Department of Science and Technology (India)]] |access-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910140422/http://www.dst.gov.in/about_us/ar01-02-international.htm |archive-date=2015-09-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2003, both countries discussed doubling their investment in their ongoing science and technology collaboration to $1 million each, starting in October 2004.<ref name="TimesofIndia">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/25/stories/2003122502231200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234711/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/25/stories/2003122502231200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 15, 2015 |title=Israel plans thrust on science and technology collaboration |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=December 25, 2003 |first=P. |last=Sunderarajan |access-date=June 28, 2015}}</ref> In 2005, India and Israel signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] to set up a fund to encourage bilateral investment into industrial research and development and specific projects. Under the agreement, at least one Indian and one Israeli company must be collaborating on a project for that project to qualify for the fund. From 2006 to 2014, the fund, named i4RD, has been used in seven projects.<ref name="IE" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://itrade.gov.il/india/israel-india-2/ |title=Israel-India-Commercial and Economic Relations |publisher=[[List of diplomatic missions of Israel#Asia|Israel Trade & Economic Office- Embassy of Israel, India]] |date=2014 |access-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626132718/http://itrade.gov.il/india/israel-india-2/ |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Israel-March-2012.pdf |title=India–Israel Relations |publisher=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)]] |date=March 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scidev.net/global/cooperation/news/india-forms-science-ties-with-canada-israel-viet.html |title=India forms science ties with Canada, Israel, Vietnam |publisher=[[Science and Development Network]] |date=2005 |access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> In 2012, the two countries signed a five-year $50 million academic research agreement for promoting collaborative research across a wide range of disciplines, including medical and information technology, social and life sciences, humanities, and the arts.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3718489.ece |title=India-Israel sign MoU on research programme |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=August 3, 2012 |first=P. |last=Sunderarajan |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/business/india-israel-sign-50-million-academic-research-pact-1.456468 |title=India, Israel sign $50 million academic research pact |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=August 7, 2012 |first=Lior |last=Dattel |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref>

In 2012, Israel stated its intent to increase technological and economic cooperation with the Indian state of [[Bihar]], in the fields of agriculture, water management, solar energy, and medical insurance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Israel-to-aid-Bihars-development-bid/articleshow/15972174.cms?referral=PM |title=Israel to aid Bihar's development bid |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=August 30, 2012 |first=Vithika |last=Salomi |access-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, Israel made plans to open two agricultural [[center of excellence|centers of excellence]] in Bihar, focusing on increasing productivity of vegetable and mango crops.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/israel-to-open-centres-on-agrihorticulture-in-bihar/article6145409.ece |title=Israel to open centres on agri-horticulture in Bihar |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref>

Israel has offered to help the India government with a project to clean the Ganga. An Israeli delegation visited India in August 2015 and met with officials of the Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon also called on Union Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu to offer Israel's expertise in water management to battle [[water scarcity]]. Ohad Horsandi, spokesperson of the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi stated that Israel was keen to help in India meet its water needs for agriculture and drinking, and was pushing for more government-to-government agreements.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/israel-offers-to-help-clean-ganga/article7440855.ece|title=Israel offers help to clean up Ganga|first=Smriti Kak|last=Ramachandran|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 July 2015|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

Following Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel in 2017, there has been an increased call for collaboration between Israel and India on innovation development. The non-profit Indian based global trade body, [[National Association of Software and Services Companies|NASSCOM]], along with the professional service company, [[Accenture]], released the report [http://www.nasscom.in/knowledge-center/publications/collaborative-innovation-vehicle-driving-indo-israel-prosperity Collaborative Innovation: The Vehicle Driving Indo-Israel Prosperity], to highlight areas of scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nasscom.in/knowledge-center/publications/collaborative-innovation-vehicle-driving-indo-israel-prosperity|title=Collaborative Innovation: The vehicle driving Indo-Israel prosperity|date=2017-07-11|work=NASSCOM|access-date=2017-08-13|language=en}}</ref> Additionally, the non-profit organization TAVtech Ventures is launching a program that connect students from Israel and the United States with local Indian students to come up with tech-based startups.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.magzter.com/article/Business/Perfect-Sourcing/Tavtech-India-A-Youth-Driven-Programme-For-Collaborative-Startups|title=Tavtech India – A Youth Driven Programme For Collaborative Startups|access-date=2017-08-13}}</ref>

===Space collaboration===
In 2002, India and Israel signed a cooperative agreement promoting space collaboration between both nations.<ref name="HARS">{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-india-sign-agreement-on-space-research-cooperation-1.29495 |title=Israel, India Sign Agreement on Space Research Cooperation |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=November 3, 2002 |first=Amnon |last=Barzilai |access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref>

In 2003, the [[Israel Space Agency]], or ISA, expressed interest in collaborating with the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]], or ISRO, in using satellites for improved management of land and other resources. Israel also expressed interest in participating in ISRO's proposed [[Chandrayaan-1|mission]] of sending an unmanned craft to the moon.<ref name="TimesofIndia"/> Additionally, the two countries signed an agreement outlining the deployment of [[TAUVEX]], an Israeli space telescope array, on India's [[GSAT-4]], a planned navigation and communication satellite.<ref name="TimesofIndia"/><ref name="HARS"/><ref>{{cite press release |author= |title=ISRO to Launch Israel's Scientific Instrument |url=http://www.isro.gov.in/update/25-dec-2003/isro-to-launch-israels-scientific-instrument |publisher=[[Department of Space|Government of India- Department of Space]] |agency=[[Indian Space Research Organisation]] |date=December 25, 2003 |access-date=2015-11-04}}</ref> In 2010, the TAUVEX array was removed from GSAT-4 by the ISRO, and the array was never subsequently launched.<ref name="spacefal">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2012/05/22/israeli-space-telescope-on-clean-room-ice-for-years-may-never-see-launch/ |title=Israeli Space Telescope On 'Clean Room' Ice For Years; May Never See Launch |magazine=[[Forbes]] |date=May 22, 2012 |first=Bruce |last=Dorminey |access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref> The GSAT-4 itself failed to launch, due to the failure of its [[cryogenic engine]].<ref name="spacefal"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/article398070.ece |title=India's own cryogenic rocket launch fails |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=April 16, 2010 |first=T.S. |last=Subramanian |access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref>

In 2005, Israel decided to launch [[TecSAR]], its first [[synthetic aperture radar]] imaging satellite, on India's [[Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle]], or PSLV.<ref name="space1">{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/1777-israel-chooses-indian-pslv-launch-spy-satellite.html |title=Israel Chooses Indian PSLV To Launch New Spy Satellite |last1=Opall-Rome |first1=Barbara |last2=Jayaraman |first2=K.S. |date=November 14, 2005 |work=[[Space.com]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> TecSAR was chosen to launch through India's PSLV due to Israeli concerns about the reliability and technical limitations of its own [[Shavit 2|Shavit]] space launch vehicle, economic considerations, and also due to Israel's desire to increase strategic cooperation with India.<ref name="space1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0802/S00139.htm |title=The Launch Of Israel's Tecsar Satellite |publisher=[[Scoop Independent News]] |date=February 13, 2008 |first=Yiftah |last=Shapir |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> In 2008, TecSAR was successfully inserted into orbit by India's PSLV.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/4867-india-launches-israeli-radar-satellite.html |title=India Launches Israeli Radar Satellite |last1=Opall-Rome |first1=Barbara |date=February 25, 2008 |work=[[Space.com]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> One of TecSAR's primary functions is to monitor [[Iran|Iran's]] military activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-launches-sophisticated-spy-satellite-tecsar-1.237735 |title=Israel Launches Sophisticated Spy Satellite TECSAR |last1=Azoulay |first1=Yuval |date=February 25, 2008 |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.space.com/4867-india-launches-israeli-radar-satellite.html |title=India Launches Israeli Radar Satellite |last1=Opall-Rome |first1=Barbara |date=January 22, 2008 |work=[[Space.com]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7199736.stm |title=India Launches Israeli Satellite |date=January 21, 2008 |work=BBC News |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2014/10/16/india-launches-navigation-satellite-into-orbit-using-pslv/ |title=India Launches Navigation Satellite into Orbit Using PSLV |last1=Sugden |first1=Joanna |date=October 16, 2014 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref>

In 2009, India successfully launched [[RISAT-2]], a synthetic aperture radar imaging satellite.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Military-surveillance-gets-a-boost-with-RISAT-2/articleshow/4426913.cms |title=Military surveillance gets a boost with RISAT-2 |last1=Bagchi |first1=Indrani |date=April 21, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> RISAT-2 was manufactured by [[Israel Aerospace Industries]], or IAI, in conjunction with ISRO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/india.satellite/index.html?iref=mpstoryview |title=India to launch Israel-backed satellite |date=March 21, 2009 |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/india-plans-to-launch-10-satellites-every-year/article347010.ece |title=India plans to launch 10 satellites every year |date=July 13, 2010 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> The launch of the RISAT-2 satellite aimed to provide India with greater earth observation power, which would improve disaster management, and increase surveillance and defense capabilities.<ref name="ATON">{{cite web |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KD21Df01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421220459/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KD21Df01.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=April 21, 2009 |title= India's eye in the sky takes aim |last1=Lal |first1=Neeta |date=April 21, 2009 |publisher=[[Asia Times Online]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author= |title=PSLV Successfully launches RISAT-2 and ANUSAT Satellites |url=http://www.isro.gov.in/update/20-apr-2009/pslv-successfully-launches-risat-2-and-anusat-satellites |publisher=[[Department of Space|Government of India- Department of Space]] |agency=[[Indian Space Research Organisation]] |date=April 20, 2009 |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref> The acquisition and subsequent launch of the RISAT-2 satellite was accelerated after the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]], to boost India's future surveillance capabilities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/report-india-bought-advanced-spy-satellite-from-israel-1.272584 |title=Report: India Bought Advanced Spy Satellite From Israel |date=March 20, 2009 |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref>

===Agriculture collaboration===
India has chosen Israel as a strategic partner (G2G) in the field of agriculture.This partnership evolved into the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP), under the Indo Israel Action Plan, based on a MOU signed by Indian and Israeli ministers of Agriculture in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Israel_Relations.pdf|title=Ministry of External Affairs. India}}</ref> The partnership aim to introduce crop diversity, increasing productivity & increasing water use efficiency. IIAP has been initiated in 2009 after signing a bilateral agreement between Indian and Israeli ministers of Agriculture (2006). IIAP is implemented via establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoE), in which Israeli Technologies and know-how are disseminated tailored to local Indian conditions. Till date three phases of IIAP has been channeled. Each IIAP phase lasts for three years (2009–2012; 2012–2015, 2015–2018).Within the 16 States that has been invited to take part in the IIAP, 22 CoE's are currently into the fully active stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://embassies.gov.il/delhi/Relations/Indo-Israel-AP/Pages/default.aspx|title=Israel Embassy in India}}</ref>

Acknowledging the success of MIDH MASHAV IIAP Program as implemented during the last decade a three-year work program in Agriculture” 2018–2020 was signed between the [[Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare|Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare]] of the Republic of India and [[Mashav|MASHAV]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-times-of-india-new-delhi-edition/20170706/281973197681269|title=PressReader.com – Connecting People Through News|website=pressreader.com|access-date=2018-11-25}}</ref>- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel to increase the value chain demonstrated with the fully operative Indo-Israel Center of Excellence by introducing new components including the [[Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Animal Husbandary & Dairying, Hisar]]. Center of Excellence (CoE) is a platform for knowledge transfer and Israeli Agro-Technology. As a goal the CoE aims to serve the farmer with a focus on a key crop. Each CoE is composed of Nursery management, Cultivation techniques, and Irrigation and fertigation.

<span lang="EN-US"></span>Also in 2008, Israel and India finalised an agricultural plan introducing crops native to the [[Middle East]] and [[Mediterranean Basin|Mediterranean]] to India, with a particular focus on [[olive (fruit)|olives]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3981145.ece |title=A million olive trees to make Indian desert bloom for farmers |newspaper=The Times |date=May 22, 2008 |first=Rhys |last=Blakely |access-date=March 12, 2009}}</ref> Subsequently, around 112,000 olive trees were planted in the desert of [[Rajasthan]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/olive-mediterranean-fruit-has-begun-thriving-in-rajasthan./1/205850.html |title=A Growing Olive Branch |magazine=[[Business Today (business magazine)|Business Today]] |date=May 25, 2014 |first=Goutam |last=Das |access-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-indian-israeli-olive-agribusiness-experiment/ |title=The Indian-Israeli olive agribusiness experiment |newspaper=[[The Times of Israel]] |date=May 29, 2013 |first1=Ofira |last1=Reuben |first2=Paul |last2=Dharamraj |access-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, more than 100 tonnes of olives were produced in Rajasthan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rajasthan-produces-100-tonnes-of-olives-production-expected-to-grow-manyfold-2021191 |title=Rajasthan produces 100 Tonnes of olives, production expected to grow manyfold |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=September 24, 2014 |access-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref>

==Oil and natural gas sector cooperation==
With the recent discovery of the Tamar and Levianthan gas fields off the coast of [[Israel]], [[India]] has been one of the first countries to bid for an exploration license in order to extract and import natural gas from the fields.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/israel-to-award-gas-exploration-license-to-a-consortium-of-indian-oil-psus/articleshow/62278831.cms|title=Israel to award gas exploration license to a consortium of Indian oil PSUs|first=Sanjeev|last=Choudhary|date=December 28, 2017|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> India's [[ONGC Videsh]], Bharat PetroResources, Indian Oil and Oil India were awarded an exploration license by the Israeli government, a clear sign of the ongoing diversification in ties between the two countries.

== Cultural ties and cross-country perceptions ==
In 2011, cultural artists and performers from India arrived in Israel to participate in a three-week festival commemorating 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to India's then Ambassador to Israel [[Navtej Sarna]], the purpose of the festival was to improve the bilateral relationship between the two countries by facilitating a greater understanding of each other's culture.<ref name="ET">{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-06/news/29388871_1_indo-israel-india-and-israel-diplomatic-relations |title=Three week fest to commemorate Indo-Israel diplomatic ties |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |date=April 6, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref>

According to a 2009 international study commissioned by the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Israeli Foreign Ministry]], the greatest level of sympathy towards Israel can be found in India, with 58% of Indian respondents showing sympathy towards Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html |title=From India with love |work=[[Ynetnews]] |date=March 4, 2009 |first=Itamar |last=Eichner |access-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref>

As reported in 2015, [[opinion polls]] taken in India showed 70% and above of respondents had favorable views of Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/India-Israel-relationship-emerges-from-the-closet-430415 |title=India – Israel relationship emerges from the closet |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=October 29, 2015 |first=Robert |last=Swift |access-date=November 2, 2015}}</ref>

In 2015, the [[United Nations General Assembly]] voted unanimously in favour of adopting June 21 as [[International Yoga Day]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pminewyork.org/idy/|title=Welcome to International Day of Yoga|website=pminewyork.org}}</ref> In a clear sign of growing affinity between the two countries, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv organizes annual yoga day celebrations, where Israelis from all walks of life take part in various yogic exercises. Yoga has proven to be immensely popular in Israel and is a sign of Israel's cultural connection to India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.secrettelaviv.com/tickets/international-day-of-yoga-2018|title=International Day of Yoga 2018|website=Secret Tel Aviv}}</ref>

In 2019, Israel was a country partner at an event scheduled to be held in the central university [[Jamia Millia Islamia]]. Israel's involvement was protested against by students for their "occupation of Palestine." The university relented and announced that "it would not allow Israeli delegates to take part in events on the campus in future." Some Members of Parliament (MPs) had also lent support to the protesting students. The teachers association at Jamia had in 2014 protested against Israeli offensive in Gaza and were joined by various activists, academicians, human rights defenders and members of civil society.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-24|title=Jamia Millia Islamia university agrees to keep out Israel as students wanted|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jamia-millia-islamia-university-agrees-to-keep-out-israel-as-students-wanted/cid/1713847|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202132753/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jamia-millia-islamia-university-agrees-to-keep-out-israel-as-students-wanted/cid/1713847|archive-date=2021-02-02|access-date=2021-05-08|website=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-08-11|title=JTA organizes 'Protest Rally' against genocide in Gaza|url=https://www.jmi.ac.in/upload/publication/pr1_2014August%20=11.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508101925/https://www.jmi.ac.in/upload/publication/pr1_2014August%20=11.pdf|archive-date=2021-05-08|access-date=2021-05-08|website=Jamia Millia Islamia|type=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-22|title=Anti Israel slogans, Palestinian flags raised in Jamia Millia|url=https://www.siasat.com/anti-israel-slogans-palestinian-flags-raised-jamia-millia-1700544/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125230814/https://www.siasat.com/anti-israel-slogans-palestinian-flags-raised-jamia-millia-1700544/|archive-date=2021-01-25|access-date=2021-05-08|website=[[The Siasat Daily]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Tourism==
[[File:Kasol, India (14399915565).jpg|thumb|A Hebrew [[Chabad]] sign in [[Kasol]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], India]]
Around 40,000 Israelis, many of whom have just finished [[Conscription in Israel|military service]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Lifting away the weight of 3 years: Why we Israelis go to India after the army|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/lifting-away-the-weight-of-3-years-why-we-israelis-go-to-india-after-the-army/|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> visit India annually.<ref name="ET" /> There are dozens of [[Chabad]]-operated community centers in India, where many Israelis celebrate holidays and observe religious traditions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/India-warns-of-Al-Qaida-terror-plots-against-Israeli-tourists-during-holiday-season-374839 |title=India warns of al-Qaida terror plots against Israeli tourists during holiday season |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Popular destinations for Israelis include [[Goa]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/profile-of-israeli-tourists-visiting-india-is-changing-envoy_956822.html |title=Profile of Israeli tourists visiting India is changing: Envoy |publisher=[[Zee News]] |date=August 23, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> the [[Himalayas]], [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Old Manali]], [[Vashisht (Village)|Vashisht]], [[Naggar]], [[Kasol]], and the villages surrounding [[Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamsala]].<ref name="JTOI">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-Jewish-summer-in-Himalayas/articleshow/2165689.cms?referral=PM |title=A Jewish summer in Himalayas |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |date=July 2, 2007 |first=Khushwant |last=Singh |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> In many of these areas, Hebrew signs on businesses and public transportation are widely noticeable.<ref name="JTOI" />

The number of tourists from India visiting Israel touched 15,900 in the year 2000.<ref name="HAA">{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/.premium-1.645312 |title=Meet the new tourists to Israel (who don't care for hummus) |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=March 5, 2015 |first=Maltz |last=Judy |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> By 2010, the number of tourists had increased to 43,439.<ref name="PIB">{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=75604 |title=India and Israel to Enhance Tourism Cooperation
|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, the number of tourists from India visiting Israel was 34,900.<ref name="TC">{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Business/Indias-first-travel-convention-in-Israel-eases-conflict-worries-392112 |title=India's first travel convention in Israel eases conflict worries |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=February 25, 2015 |first=Niv |last=Elis |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> A popular destination for Indian tourists traveling to Israel is [[Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/business/india-tourism-minister-nearly-every-indian-wants-to-visit-jerusalem.premium-1.444262 |title=India tourism minister: Nearly every Indian wants to visit Jerusalem |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=June 27, 2012 |first=Rina |last=Rozenberg |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> In part of 2010, Indian tourists were the biggest spenders in Israel, spending an average of $1,364 per tourist; the average tourist expenditure in Israel during this time was $1,091.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000622828 |title=India passes Korea as top Asian source of incoming tourism |newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]] |date=February 13, 2011 |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>

In 2011, representatives from both countries met in Delhi, and planned to enhance tourism through collaboration in the spheres of destination management and promotion, as well as in manpower development. Plans for tour-operators and travel agents in both countries to coordinate were also discussed.<ref name="PIB" /> In 2015, 600 travel agents from India arrived in Israel for the annual Travel Agents Federation of India conference, and ways to decrease barriers to tourism were discussed.<ref name="TC" /> Currently El AL Airlines flies between Tel Aviv and Mumbai, Air India flies between Delhi and Tel Aviv and Arkia flies between Tel Aviv and Kochi as well as Tel Aviv and Goa.

In March 2018, Air India, operating flight number AI139, became the first airline to fly non-stop from [[New Delhi]] to [[Tel Aviv]], via the airspace of [[Saudi Arabia]], overturning an overfly ban on flights to [[Israel]] that had lasted 70 years. Currently, Air India is the only airline in the world that has been given such permission, and indicates a behind-the-scenes improvement in relations between Israel and the Arab world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-world-first-air-india-crosses-saudi-airspace-to-israel/|title=In world first, Air India crosses Saudi airspace to Israel|first=Stephen|last=WEIZMAN|website=timesofisrael.com}}</ref> The new flight takes approximately 7 hours to traverse the distance between India and Israel, which is 2 hours and 10 minutes shorter than the route taken by EL AL from Mumbai to Tel Aviv. In recent days, the success of the route has prompted the airline to increase the frequency of flights to one each day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-air-india-to-launch-daily-tel-aviv-delhi-flights---report-1001242789|title=Air India to launch daily Tel Aviv-Delhi flights - report|date=June 24, 2018|newspaper=Globes}}</ref>

In recent months, [[Israel]] has observed a constant rise in the number of Indian tourists to the country. Towards an additional effort to boost tourism from India, the Israeli government has simplified visa procedures for Indians who have already availed visas from either [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[United States]], [[Schengen countries]] or [[Israel]] and have completed their travel to these countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/israel-eases-visa-procedure-for-indians/articleshow/62071437.cms|title=israel: Israel eases visa procedure for Indians | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Visa processing fees for Indian applicants has also been reduced from the original 1700 to 1100.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/visa-fee-to-israel-down-from-rs-1700-to-rs-1100/articleshow/64433180.cms|title=Visa fee to Israel down from Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,100 | India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> In the year 2017, Indian tourist arrivals to Israel rose by 31%, with over 60,000 tourists visiting the country that year.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-tourist-arrivals-to-israel-increases-by-record-breaking-31-in-2017/articleshow/62708938.cms {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Israel plans to meet a target of over 100,000 Indian tourists for the year 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.traveldailymedia.com/israel-tourism-new-india-advertising-campaign-targeting-100000-travellers-2018/|title=Israel Tourism targets 100,000 Indian travellers for 2018|date=16 April 2018}}</ref>

==Interfaith relations==
{{further|Hinduism and Judaism}}
In February 2007, the first Jewish-Hindu interfaith leadership summit was held in [[New Delhi]].<ref name="JPIR">{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/Arts-And-Culture/The-biggest-show-on-earth |title=The biggest show on earth |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=March 6, 2013 |first=Shulfa |last=Kopf |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> The summit included the then [[Chief Rabbinate of Israel|Chief Rabbi]] of Israel [[Yona Metzger]], the [[American Jewish Committee]]'s International Director of Interreligious Affairs [[David Rosen (rabbi)|David Rosen]], a delegation of [[chief rabbi]]s from around the world, and Hindu leaders from India.<ref name="JPIR" /><ref name="NYIR">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/us/02hindu.html?_r=0 |title=In Jews, Indian-Americans See a Role Model in Activism |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 2, 2007 |first=Neela |last=Banerjee |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name="YIR">{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3437865,00.html |title=Indian Muslims protest peace delegation to Israel |work=[[Ynetnews]] |date=August 15, 2007 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> During the summit, Rabbi Metzger stated that "Jews have lived in India for over 2,000 years and have never been discriminated against. This is something unparalleled in human history."<ref name="JPIR" />

In August 2007, amidst protests,<ref name="YIR" /> a delegation of Indian Muslim leaders and journalists traveled to Israel.<ref name="YR">{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3439462,00.html |title=Time to end violence |work=[[Ynetnews]] |date=August 19, 2007 |first=Yaakov |last=Lappin |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name="YAIR">{{cite web |url=http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/dialogue-democracy-indian-muslims-visit-israel |title=Dialogue of Democracy: Indian Muslims Visit Israel |publisher=[[Yale Center for the Study of Globalization]] |date=November 7, 2007 |first=Tufail |last=Ahmad |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> The visit was touted as a dialogue of democracies,<ref name="YAIR" /> and was organised by the American Jewish Committee's India office.<ref name="YR" /> During this trip, Maulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi, the then secretary-general of the All-India Association of Imams and Mosques, praised the mutual respect Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews have for each other, and encouraged resolving problems by dialogue rather than violence.<ref name="YR" /> Muslim leaders met with then president [[Shimon Peres]], where Peres highlighted the coexistence of religions in Jerusalem and India's struggle with terror and separatism.<ref name="YR" />

In 2008, a second Hindu-Jewish summit took place in Jerusalem.<ref name="NJIR">{{cite news |url=http://njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/070209/opedTwoAncientReligions.html |title=Two ancient religions behave like old friends |newspaper=[[New Jersey Jewish News]] |date=July 2, 2009 |first=Alan |last=Brill |access-date=May 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624101209/http://njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/070209/opedTwoAncientReligions.html |archive-date=June 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="HAFIR">{{cite web |url=http://www.hafsite.org/hindu-american-foundation-joins-historic-hindu-jewish-summit-held-israel |title=Hindu American Foundation Joins in Historic Hindu-Jewish Summit Held in Israel |publisher=[[Hindu American Foundation]] |date=February 26, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> Included in the summit was a meeting between Hindu groups and then Israeli President [[Shimon Peres]], where the importance of a strong Israeli-Indian relationship was discussed.<ref name="HAFIR" /> The Hindu delegation also met with Israeli politicians [[Isaac Herzog]] and [[Majalli Wahabi]].<ref name="HAFIR" /> Hindu groups visited and said their prayers at the [[Western Wall]], and also paid their respects to [[Jewish Holocaust|Holocaust]] victims.<ref name="HAFIR" />

In 2009, a smaller Hindu-Jewish interfaith meeting organised by the [[Hindu American Foundation]] and the American Jewish Committee was held in [[New York City]] and [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]].<ref name="NJIR" /> Hindu and Jewish representatives gave presentations, and participants wore lapel pins combining the Israeli, Indian, and American flags.<ref name="NJIR" />

In November 2012, Israeli President [[Shimon Peres]] remarked, "I think India is the greatest show of how so many differences in language, in sects can coexist facing great suffering and keeping full freedom."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-12-04/news/35594466_1_greatest-show-mahatma-gandhi-democracies|title=Israeli President Shimon Peres praises India as greatest 'show of co-existence' (4 December 2012)}}</ref>

In 2019, a large scale summit to further boost Hindu-Jewish cultural ties was organized by Indo-Israel Friendship Association in [[Mumbai]]. Many important leaders like [[Subramanian Swamy]] attended the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/neither-hindus-nor-jews-proselytise-yet-prosecuted-subramanian-swamy |title=Neither Hindus nor Jews proselytise, yet prosecuted: Subramanian Swamy |publisher=[[Free Press Journal]] |date=August 27, 2019 |first=Pratip |last=Acharaya |access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref>

===Judaism in India===
{{main|Judaism in India}}
{{further|Indian Jews in Israel}}
[[File:Arrival of the Jewish pilgrims at Coachin, A.D. 68.jpg|thumb|Jewish immigrants arriving at [[Kochi]] in 68 AD]]
[[File:Beni-israel-india-2.jpg|thumb|A [[Bene Israel]] family in Bombay (c. late 19th century)]]
[[File:Interiors in wider view of Magen David Synagogue, Kolkata.jpg|thumb|Interior of the [[Magen David Synagogue (Kolkata)|Magen David Synagogue]] in [[Kolkata]]]]
The history of the Jewish people in India dates back to ancient times.<ref>The Jews of India: A Story of Three Communities by Orpa Slapak. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. 2003. {{ISBN|965-278-179-7}}.</ref><ref name="Weil">Weil, Shalva.''India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art and Life-Cycle''. Mumbai: Marg Publications [first published in 2002; 3rd edn.]. 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/solomon-to-cheraman/279886|title=Solomon To Cheraman | Outlook India Magazine|website=outlookindia.com/|date=5 February 2022 }}</ref> [[Judaism]] was one of the first foreign religions to arrive in India in [[recorded history]].<ref>Weil, Shalva. "Indian Judaic Tradition" in Sushil Mittal and Gene Thursby (eds) ''Religions in South Asia'', London: Palgrave Publishers, 2006. pp. 169–183.</ref> [[India]]n [[Jews]] are a religious minority of [[India]], but unlike many parts of the world, have historically lived in India without any instances of [[antisemitism]] from the local majority populace, the [[Hindu]]s. The better-established ancient communities have assimilated a large number of local traditions through [[cultural diffusion]].<ref>Weil, Shalva. "Bene Israel Rites and Routines" in Shalva Weil (ed.) ''India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art and Life-Cycle'', Mumbai: Marg Publications, 2009. (first published in 2002); 3Arts, 54(2): 26–37.</ref> The Jewish population in India is hard to estimate since each Jewish community is distinct with different origins; while some allegedly arrived during the time of the [[Kingdom of Judah]], others are seen by some as descendants of Israel's [[Ten Lost Tribes]].<ref>Weil, Shalva. (1991) "Beyond the Sambatyon: the Myth of the Ten Lost Tribes." Tel-Aviv: Beth Hatefutsoth, the Nahum Goldman Museum of the Jewish Diaspora.</ref> In addition to Jewish expatriates<ref>Weil, Shalva. "From Persecution to Freedom: Central European Jewish Refugees and their Jewish Host Communities in India" in Anil Bhatti and Johannes H. Voigt (eds) ''Jewish Exile in India 1933–1945'', New Delhi: Manohar and Max Mueller Bhavan,1999. pp. 64–84.</ref> and recent immigrants, there are several distinct Jewish groups in India:

* [[Cochin Jews]], also called [[Malabar Jews]], are of [[Mizrahi Jews|Mizrahi]] and [[Sephardi]] heritage. They are the oldest group of Jews in India, with possible roots claimed to date to the time of [[King Solomon]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=qhKGPprbQaYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=isbn:9652781797&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UNa1VM-AFc_kuQSLiYLIAQ&ved=0CB8Q6wEwAA#v=onepage&q=two%20millennia&f=true ''The Jews of India: A Story of Three Communities''] by Orpa Slapak. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem. 2003. p. 27. {{ISBN|965-278-179-7}}.</ref><ref>Weil, Shalva. "Jews in India." in M. Avrum Erlich (ed.) ''Encyclopaedia of the Jewish Diaspora'', Santa Barbara, USA: ABC CLIO. 2008, 3: 1204–1212.</ref> The Cochin Jews settled in the [[Kingdom of Cochin]] in [[South India]].<ref>Weil, Shalva. ''India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art and Life-Cycle,'' Mumbai: Marg Publications, 2009. [first published in 2002; 3rd edn] Katz 2000; Koder 1973; Menachery 1998</ref><ref>Weil, Shalva. "Cochin Jews", in Carol R. Ember, Melvin Ember and Ian Skoggard (eds) ''Encyclopedia of World Cultures Supplement'', New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002. pp. 78–80.</ref><ref>Weil, Shalva. "Cochin Jews" in Judith Baskin (ed.)'' Cambridge Dictionary of Judaism and Jewish Culture'', New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. pp. 107.</ref>
* The so-called "[[Spanish and Portuguese Jews]]", [[Paradesi Jews]] and [[British Jews]] arrived at [[Madras]] during the 16th century, mainly as traders and diamond businessmen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/errorpage/|title=Page not found News|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> They also have a large presence in the former Portuguese colony of [[Goa]], where the [[Goan Inquisition]] was initiated in 1560.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/A-Jewish-past-annihilated-over-time/articleshow/29680724.cms|title=A Jewish past annihilated over time|work=The Times of India}}</ref>
* The [[Bene Israel]] arrived in the state of [[Maharashtra]] 900 years ago.<ref>Weil, Shalva. "Bene Israel'" in Judith Baskin (ed.) ''Cambridge Dictionary of Judaism and Jewish Culture'', New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. pp. 59.</ref> Another branch of the [[Bene Israel]] community, resided in Karachi until the [[Partition of India]] in 1947, when they fled to India (in particular: Mumbai). Many of them also moved to [[Israel]]. The Jews from [[Sindh]], [[Punjab]] or [[Pathan]] area are often incorrectly called Bani Israel Jews. The Jewish community who used to reside in other parts of what became Pakistan (such as [[Lahore]] or [[Peshawar]]) also fled to India in 1947, in a similar manner to the larger Karachi Jewish community.
* The [[Baghdadi Jews]] arrived in the city of Surat from Iraq (and other Arab states), Iran and Afghanistan about 250 years ago.<ref name="Weil" />
* The [[Bnei Menashe]] are [[Mizo people|Mizo]] and [[Kuki people|Kuki]] tribesmen in [[Manipur]] and [[Mizoram]] who are recent converts to Judaism.<ref name="Weil 2">Weil, Shalva. "Lost Israelites from North-East India: Re-Traditionalisation and Conversion among the Shinlung from the Indo-Burmese Borderlands." ''The Anthropologist'', 2004. 6(3): 219–233.</ref>
* The [[Bene Ephraim]] (also called "Telugu Jews") are a small group who speak [[Telugu language|Telugu]]; their observance of Judaism dates to 1981.

The majority of Indian Jews have "made [[Aliyah]]" (migrated) to [[Israel]] since the creation of the modern state in 1948. Over 70,000 Indian Jews now live in Israel (over 1% of Israel's total population).{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} Of the remaining 5,000, the largest community is concentrated in [[Mumbai]], where 3,500 have stayed over from the over 30,000 Jews registered there in the 1940s, divided into [[Bene Israel]] and [[Baghdadi Jews]],<ref>Rachel Delia Benaim, [http://tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/188925/mumbai-tombstone-engraver 'For India's Largest Jewish Community, One Muslim Makes All the Tombstones,'] [[Tablet (magazine)|Tablet]] 23 February 2015.</ref> though the Baghdadi Jews refused to recognize the B'nei Israel as Jews, and withheld dispensing charity to them for that reason.<ref name="Katz" >Nathan Katz, [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWX6pF2PTJwC&pg=PA91 ''Who Are the Jews of India?,''] California University Press, 2000 pp.91ff.</ref> There are reminders of Jewish localities in Kerala still left such as Synagogues.

In the beginning of the 21st century, new Jewish communities have been established in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and other cities in India. The new communities have been established by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement which has sent rabbis to create those communities. The communities serve the religious and social needs of Jewish business people who have immigrated or visiting India, and Jewish backpackers touring India. The largest centre is the [[Nariman House]] in Mumbai. There are currently 33 [[synagogues in India]], although many no longer function as such and today vary in their levels of preservation.<ref>Weil, Shalva. 1992 'Cochin Jews' (3(South Asia):71–73), in Paul Hockings (ed.) Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Boston, Mass: G.K. Hall & Co.</ref><ref>Weil, Shalva. 1992 'Bene Israel' (3(South Asia): 27–29) in Paul Hockings (ed.) Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Boston, Mass: G.K. Hall & Co.</ref><ref>Weil, Shalva. 2009a India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art and Life-Cycle, Mumbai: Marg Publications [first published in 2002; 3rd edn.].</ref>

==2021 Israeli embassy blast==
A minor IED explosion took place outside the Israeli embassy in [[Delhi]] on 29 January 2021 when the two countries celebrated the 29th anniversary of India-Israel ties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Minor Blast Near Israel Embassy Sparks Scare In Delhi's VIP Zone |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/minor-blast-near-israel-embassy-in-delhi-no-one-injured-say-police-2360099?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll |work=[[NDTV 24x7|NDTV]] |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Blast near Israeli embassy in Delhi, on 29th anniv of India-Israel ties; NIA on spot, none injured |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/blast-near-israeli-embassy-in-delhi-cars-damaged-none-injured-1764036-2021-01-29 |work=[[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]] |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Low-intensity IED blast near Israeli embassy in Delhi, 3 cars damaged; 'mischievous attempt', says police |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/explosion-near-israeli-embassy-in-delhi/713556 |work=[[Times Now]] |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref> Israel blames [[Iran]] for this.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explosion reported near Israeli embassy in New Delhi, India|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/explosion-reported-near-israeli-embassy-in-new-delhi-india-report-657167 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Explosion outside Israeli embassy in New Delhi damages cars; no casualties|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/explosion-outside-israeli-embassy-in-new-delhi-damages-cars-no-casualties/ |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Israelis in India]]
* [[Indians in Israel]]
* [[Indian Jews in Israel]]
* [[Indian Jews]]
* [[Hinduism in Israel]]
* [[Foreign relations of India]]
* [[International recognition of Israel]]
* [[Foreign relations of Israel]]
* [[Battle of Haifa (1918)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Relations of India and Israel}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [http://www.rediff.com/news/sharon.htm Rediff Portal] – Ariel Sharon's visit to India
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071028125431/http://www.rb.org.il/Israel-India/India-Israel%20Contents.htm India-Israel Fellowship]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110510084808/http://www.indojudaic.org/ Indo-Judaic: Philosophy, Research, Studies and Cultural Community]
* [http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/2936/dissertation_gerberg_%20i.pdf?sequence=1 The Changing nature of Israeli-Indian Relations:1948 – 2005 ]
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.nhsf.org.uk/images/stories/HinduDharma/Interfaith/hinduzion.pdf |title=Hinduism and Judaism compilation which aims to showcase Hindu support for India–Israel relations |access-date=December 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423090103/http://www.nhsf.org.uk/images/stories/HinduDharma/Interfaith/hinduzion.pdf |archive-date=April 23, 2006 |url-status=bot: unknown |df=mdy-all }}
* [http://www.jewsofindia.org Jews of India]

{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign relations of Israel}}

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[[Category:Bilateral relations of India|Israel]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Israel]]

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