Indian-Israel relations1948-1964

Abstract

          The mid-twentieth century witnessed the birth of two countries, India and Israel, the first in East Asia, and the second in the Middle East. The emergence of these two countries did not result from a strange coincidence. India gained independence from Britain, which created Israel in the heart of the Arab world. The development of Indian-Israeli relations over time represents a moving story about how the two countries transitioned from cautious diplomacy to strong and active relations and alliances, since India’s independence in 1947 and the establishment of Israel in 1948. The importance of this practical study lies in its attempt to shed light on the overall developments witnessed in Indian-Israeli relations during the beginnings of Israel, as this relationship witnessed an increasing development in various fields. This study aims to clarify this development between the two countries in relations and its impact on them, in addition to the existence of some links, including Jewish communities present in India. However, this cooperation will lead to Israel’s openness to Asian countries of regional and international geostrategic importance, especially with the presence of Israeli coordination with major countries. This leads Israel to emerge from its Arab regional isolation and find a foothold in the Indian Ocean region, which It would enable it to gain strategic depth in international waters.

India wasn't the only country to benefit from these relations. Israel also had its own goals, which it actively sought to achieve, independent of neighboring countries. Israeli products also needed new markets to tap into and distribute. Israel also felt the Islamic threat emanating from Iran and Pakistan, and worked to besiege these two countries through India, the closest country to them, to monitor their technological and military development. Areas of cooperation between them were numerous. Diplomatic engagement began between the two countries, which worked to develop bilateral relations. Among the areas in which mutual ties have flourished since then are commercial and military dealings, as well as defense, technology, agriculture, and trade, transforming a preliminary partnership into a more robust alliance.