India Israel – Joint Issue

The bilateral ties between India and Israel have evolved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The relationship received a major boost with the visits of high-level dignitaries from both countries that includes historic visit by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s to Israel in 2017 and reciprocal visit by Hon’ble Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018

India and Israel have made significant strides in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as defence, technology, agriculture and water cooperation. India’s growing stature on the global stage and Israel’s technological prowess has created avenues for deeper collaboration in these sectors. Israel’s expertise in precision farming, drip irrigation, desalination and agricultural technology has proven invaluable to India especially in addressing the challenges of water scarcity and increasing agricultural productivity. India and Israel have established 31 Agriculture Centres of Excellence in 13 Indian states that aim to benefit farmers in increasing quality and quantity of horticultural produce by innovative technologies.

Similarly in the field of technology and innovation, Israel’s reputation as start-up nation has paved way for extensive collaboration in emerging strategic technologies that includes artificial intelligence, smart solutions, cyber security, quantum technology contributing to our ‘Make in India initiative’. India-Israel bilateral trade and economic ties have progressed rapidly from around US$ 200 million in 1992 to around US$ 10.77 billion in FY 2022-23.

The historical link between India and Israel dates back to several centuries. Since then, Jewish community in India thrived and flourished and today the Jewish community is vital part of our composite cultural mosaic and India is proud of their contributions. Our rich Indian diaspora in Israel serves as an organic link between the two countries that includes caregivers, students, professionals and business community.

India and Israel have deep sense of mutual admiration and curiosity in cultural sphere that transcends geographical boundaries. Indian movies, Cuisine, Ayurveda and Yoga is very popular in Israel. International Day of Yoga event is well attended and celebrated with great enthusiasm by Israelis. Israelis particularly the youth visit India in large numbers for tourism purposes. Most of the Hindu and Jewish religious festivals share remarkable similarities and their celebrations coincides around the same time (Diwali-Hanukkah and Holi-Purim). These cultural parallels foster a sense of connection and understanding between the people of India and Israel.

As India and Israel look to the future, the trajectory of our relationship appears promising. Both countries are committed to deepening cooperation and exploring new frontiers of collaboration that is driven by mutual benefits and prosperity. By fostering greater diplomatic engagement, expanding trade and investment ties, and harnessing the potential of innovation and technology, India and Israel forge an enduring partnership for the 21st century.

The joint stamp, designed on the theme of Purim and Holi is indicative of the ideological similarities between the two societies. While Purim is the Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews due to the efforts of Esther against the diabolical plot of Haman the chief minister of the Persian King Ahaseurus, to annihilate them in the Persian empire; Holi is a Hindu festival commemorating the survival of Prahlada a God loving prince from the diabolical plan of his father Hiranyakashyap plotting with his sister Holika to murder Prahlada for his devotion to God