India–Israel Relations: Strategic Interests, Politics and Diplomatic Pragmatism

Itzhak Gerberg

2010

This monograph examines the relations between India and Israel. The State of Israel, established in 1948, was recognized by India on 18 September 1950. However, the two countries established full diplomatic relations only on 29 January 1992.

From 1948 to 1991, Indo-Israeli relations were shaped by a partly pro-Arab and anti-Israeli Indian foreign policy. This stance reflected India's own interests in the Middle East and its traditional sympathy with the Arabs. It was further influenced by India's commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and by the sentiments of Indian Muslims.

In 1992 a significant diplomatic change occurred, when India and Israel established full diplomatic relations.

Successive Indian governments have shaped Indian foreign policy on Israel. Under the governments headed by the BJP (1998–2004), relations between the two countries reached new heights. Despite the slowdown since 2004, bilateral relations, and defense relations in particular, have continued to develop, centering on the convergence of the two countries' strategic interests.