India and Israel: Closer than ever before
Experiencing an unprecedented reproach from several European States and apparently an all time cold relations with the United States of America, a seemingly dejected Israel is looking to garner support from the east. There is no doubt that two of the world’s fastest growing economies ~ China and India ~ are being looked up to by every single nation in the world, with an eye to do business and earn big with the growth of these economic giants. Israel, however, seems to have set its vision on India, a ‘friend’ which is arguably more desirable than the rest, at least in the region.
The visit of Israeli defence minister, Moshe Ya’alon, to India this spring is seen as a moment of ‘come out’ and reveal the mutual quest for going further. “We used to have our relationship, security wise, behind the scene,” said Ya’alon, in a speech in New Delhi after attending the air show, showcasing air defence technology, in Bengaluru. “And now I am here … in Delhi to meet Prime Minister Modi and other ministers,” he added. Ya’alon, interestingly, was the first Israeli defence minister, visiting India since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. His visit was preceded by India’s home minister, Rajnath Singh’s visit to Israel, three months ago in November 2014.
This openness in the relationship was highly expected as soon as the Hindu Right wing Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in India in May 2014. Such a display of affection was first observed during the previous BJP-led NDA governments (1998-2004). The erstwhile home minister of India, L K Advani, visited Israel and reiterated the need to join hands for a common threat ~ terrorism. The declaration of ‘being together’ might be due to the urgent needs including security, however, the mutual admiration of the ruling Right-wing parties, then and now, is a point to reckon with.
The Indo-Israel relations in terms of trade and defence ties have grown considerably in the last two decades and appear to develop further due to the essential needs of both the countries. Israel needs market to sell its security equipment and in fact is the second largest defence supplier after Russia. India, on the other hand, has sought help Israel’s help in counter terrorism strategy, border management and intelligence cooperation etc. India has reportedly been quite desperate to get Israeli technology, although covertly. Israel, meanwhile, seeks India’s support at various international forums, including the UN.
According to the recently obtained documents of South African intelligence, India (between 2006 and 2014 when Congress party was ruling the country) had tried to buy Israeli weapons via South Africa, through a “parallel procurement system”. This means that rather than a directly announced bilateral deal of arms India would buy those arms from the Israeli handlers (allegedly former Mossad agents). In return, Israel wanted India to voice support for Israel against the Iranian nuclear programme. Israel on different occasions has expected New Delhi to stand with it on the issue of Palestine. However, India so far, has been able to assume an independent position and made it clear that any such issue should be resolved unanimously at the United Nations, maintaining that the Palestinians have should have a state for themselves and remain independent.
In this case, what should Israel expect from India? Will the friendship only be limited to arms trade and defence ties, or will it grow further with India supporting Israel on various international stages? Only time holds the key to that answer. In current situation, Israel needs India’s support more than anything else. On the other hand, India needs Israel’s technology for its security advancement. With the present Hindu Right-wing party ruling in India, Israel can stay sure that the bilateral ties will continue to grow. In Israel, no matter which party forms the government after the elections in March, they would like to continue the way Indo-Israel relations have been going on.
Moinuddin Ahmad
The writer is a New Delhi based Journalist and a PhD candidate at Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He can be contacted at: Moinuddin.ahmed83@gmail.com
