{"id":1130,"date":"2023-10-12T07:25:46","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T01:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asia.businessupturn.com\/?p=1130"},"modified":"2023-10-12T15:10:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T09:40:18","slug":"dance-of-diplomacy-indias-relations-with-israel-in-an-ever-changing-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/asia\/spotlight\/dance-of-diplomacy-indias-relations-with-israel-in-an-ever-changing-middle-east\/1130\/","title":{"rendered":"Dance of Diplomacy: India\u2019s Relations with Israel in an Ever-Changing Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recent violent attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, on Israel and the subsequent declaration of war by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have implications for India\u2019s trade and diplomatic relations with the region. However, the extent of these effects will be determined by the duration of the ongoing escalation, according to experts.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to experts, India\u2019s trade with Israel, which amounted to approximately $10.7 billion in FY23, could face significant challenges if the operations at Israel\u2019s three major ports \u2013 Haifa, Ashdod, and Eilat \u2013 are disrupted. These ports play a crucial role in handling shipments of agricultural products, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and vehicles. Notably, a significant portion of India\u2019s merchandise trade with Israel relies on the Eilat port, situated on the Red Sea. Fortunately, as of now, there have been no reports of port disruptions. The actual impact on India\u2019s trade will be contingent on the duration and severity of the ongoing conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the multi-front attack launched by the Hamas group on Israel last Saturday, reports indicate that approximately 1,000 people have lost their lives. The casualties are estimated to be over 600 on the Israeli side and around 370 in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n

In response to the escalating situation, India is actively working to repatriate its stranded students from Israel. The Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) is closely monitoring the developments, as stated by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, during a press briefing on Sunday. Indian nationals in Israel have been advised by the Indian Embassy to exercise vigilance and adhere to safety protocols.<\/span><\/p>\n

The intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas not only threatens India\u2019s trade with Israel, particularly in critical areas such as defence equipment, but it also presents a substantial challenge to India\u2019s diplomatic efforts, particularly if other Arab countries become involved in the conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the event that the conflict in the Middle East escalates and draws in more Arab countries, as has happened in the past, India will need to approach the situation with caution. India\u2019s economic and strategic connections with the Middle East have gained significant importance, particularly in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor. Therefore, in the face of an intensifying war, India will need to carefully navigate its actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

While a direct conflict between Hamas and Israel may not have a direct impact on India, the involvement of other actors like Hezbollah and Iran could severely disrupt the security and stability of the West Asian region. This, in turn, would have direct consequences for India, affecting its energy supply, economy, investments, and the welfare of Indian expatriates living in the region. Thus, India\u2019s interests and well-being are closely tied to the developments in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trade & Ties<\/b><\/p>\n

Trade relations between India and Israel have seen a steady increase over the years, with a notable spike in 2022 when Israel became India\u2019s fourth-largest destination for petroleum product exports, and it reached the top spot in November 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, India\u2019s exports of petroleum products to Israel surged, increasing by 3.5 times to reach $5.5 billion, compared to $1.6 billion in the previous year. This surge in petroleum exports boosted India\u2019s overall exports by 77% and expanded the total trade between the two countries by 37%. However, it\u2019s important to note that the surge in petroleum exports hasn\u2019t been sustained in the 2023-24 fiscal year so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trade ties between India and Israel initially gained momentum in 1992 when diplomatic relations were established. At that time, the trade was primarily focused on precious metals such as diamonds. Since then, both countries have diversified their trade portfolio, encompassing various sectors, including engineering goods, electronics, fertilisers, textiles, agricultural products, petroleum products, and pearls, as well as precious and semi-precious stones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Israel holds a significant and strategic position in India\u2019s defence imports, standing as the third-largest exporter of defence equipment to India, following Russia and France. It is essential to note that the data mentioned earlier, which does not include defence trade, underscores the substantial role that Israel plays in India\u2019s defence procurement landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the year 2022, Israel\u2019s contribution to India\u2019s defence imports was particularly noteworthy, constituting more than 8% of India\u2019s total defence imports. This percentage demonstrates the considerable reliance that India places on Israeli defence technology and equipment to meet its multifaceted security and military requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

The India-Israel defence partnership has evolved and strengthened over the years, characterised by the exchange of cutting-edge military technology, advanced weaponry, and valuable expertise. Israel is renowned for its high-quality defence systems, including missile defence systems, sophisticated surveillance technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cybersecurity solutions, and more. These collaborations not only enhance India\u2019s defence capabilities but also contribute significantly to the diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations.<\/span><\/p>\n

India\u2019s preference for Israeli defence technology is rooted in the proven reliability and effectiveness of Israeli systems, which have consistently performed well in various operational environments. As India faces growing geopolitical and security challenges in the region, the partnership with Israel becomes increasingly vital to bolster its defence capabilities and meet evolving threats.<\/span><\/p>\n

This robust defence partnership reflects the growing importance of Israel in India\u2019s defence procurement strategy. It highlights the deepening and multifaceted defence ties between India and Israel, which extend beyond mere trade to encompass collaborative research and development, joint military exercises, and technology transfer, strengthening the overall defence ecosystem of both nations. The synergy between India and Israel in the realm of defence is poised to continue growing in the coming years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Israel \u2013 India: Back in Time<\/b><\/p>\n

As per reports in open sources, the excavations at Tel Megiddo have unearthed compelling evidence of Indo-Mediterranean trade relations dating back to the mid-second millennium BCE, linking South Asia and the southern Levant. These excavations reveal the presence of several items, including turmeric, bananas, and sesame seeds, all of which have their origins in South Asia. This evidence sheds light on historical trade and cultural exchanges between the two regions. The geographical analysis of Israel even suggests that some references in the Old Testament may pertain to India, given the presence of trade items like animals, including monkeys and peacocks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaim Menachem Rabin, a noted scholar, has documented connections between ancient Israel and the Indian subcontinent during the reign of King Solomon in the 10th century BCE, as mentioned in I Kings 10.22.<\/span><\/p>\n

Historical records and accounts also document ancient trade and cultural interactions between India and the Levant. The \u201cPeriplus of the Erythraean Sea,\u201d an ancient Greek text, provides insights into trade routes and commerce in the region, and the Hebrew Bible contains accounts related to the Queen of Sheba, suggesting connections between these regions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cochin Jews, who have settled in Kochi, Kerala, trace their origins back to the time of King Solomon. They are known as Cochin Jews and have a rich history of trade and cultural exchange. Additionally, during the 15th and 16th centuries, Paradesi Jews migrated to Kochi, Kerala, following their expulsion from Spain. This migration further solidified the historical ties and cultural exchanges between India and the Levant, particularly among Jewish communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trade relations of both the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East can indeed be traced back to ancient times, extending to 1,000 BCE and even earlier. These relationships have deep historical roots, dating to the era of the Indus Valley Civilization in South Asia and the Babylonian culture in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n

An interesting facet of this historical trade is recounted in Buddhist stories, which describe Indian merchants venturing to Baveru, believed to be Babylonia, and selling exotic items like peacocks for public display. Earlier accounts also mention the trade of monkeys. These accounts highlight the historical connections and commercial interactions between India, Palestine, and Mediterranean Jewish communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 1948-50<\/b><\/p>\n

Reports and experts suggest that during the non-recognition period from 1948 to 1950, India\u2019s stance on the establishment of the State of Israel was influenced by various factors, including its own recent partition on religious lines and its international relationships. Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent leader in India\u2019s struggle for independence, held a complex view on the matter. While he acknowledged the historical connection of the Jews to Israel, he was against the creation of Israel based on religious or mandated terms. Gandhi believed that the Arabs were the rightful inhabitants of Palestine and suggested that Jews should return to their countries of origin.<\/span><\/p>\n

In an attempt to garner support for the establishment of a Jewish state, Albert Einstein wrote a four-page letter to Jawaharlal Nehru, India\u2019s first Prime Minister, on June 13, 1947. Einstein urged India to back the formation of a Jewish state. However, Nehru could not accede to Einstein\u2019s request, citing the practical necessity for national leaders to pursue policies that were, regrettably, self-serving.<\/span><\/p>\n

During this period, India took a stance against the Partitioning of Palestine plan in 1947, voting against it. Additionally, India voted against Israel\u2019s admission to the United Nations in 1949. This reflected India\u2019s foreign policy choices and the complex dynamics surrounding the establishment of Israel, as it navigated its own post-independence challenges and relationships with various nations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, there were proponents of Hindu nationalism in India who expressed support or sympathy for the creation of Israel. These leaders and organisations had various reasons for their positions:<\/span><\/p>\n