The iconic moment which Indians
yearned for finally arrived. It was an unmissable moment in the history. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi breaking seven-decade long restraint and dogmatic
political rumblings visited Israel on July 4th becoming the first
Indian prime minister to script new chapters in Indian foreign policy. The
excitement pertaining to the epochal meeting of Modi and Israel Prime Minister
was palpable at the Ben Gurion airport as Air India One-carrying Prime Minister
landed. In significant departure from the official protocol, Benjamin Netanyahu
with his entire cabinet and various religious leaders welcomed Modi at the
airport. The grand reception, effusive warmth, and exchange of hugs thrice in
15 minutes after embarking clearly displayed camaraderie and friendship between
both the prime ministers.
Modi’s standalone, three-day
state visit to Israel aptly epitomized preeminence of Israeli partnership to
India. Defying the longstanding tradition of hyphenating Israel and Palestine,
Modi strongly resisted pressures of visiting Ramallah (25km from Jerusalem). Modi’s
much anticipated visit to Israel was strategically well-timed. To avoid unsavory
whimper of protest from Muslim countries, Modi diligently fostered partnerships
with almost all the Arab countries, Gulf, Iran, and Turkey; assured India’s
support for Palestine, hosted Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas for three days
in May. He waited until President Obama demitted Presidential office (US-Israel
relations turned sour after P5+1 headed by Obama reached a nuclear deal with
Iran). Interestingly Arab nations, preoccupied in ostracizing Qatar hardly
voiced any concerns but a section of Indian politicians questioned Modi’s
decision of not visiting Palestine. As India warmed up to Israel openly,
Ayatollah Khamenei, urged Iranians to support oppressed Muslims of Kashmir.
Clearly, fervent criticisms and intimidation are along expected lines. These
criticisms underscore the hesitancy of previous Indian leaders in prioritizing
bilateral relations with Israel. Since independence Muslim pandering dictated
and dominated Indian foreign policy. Dumping diffidence and reticence, Modi
took the lead, ending the pretentious, domestically orchestrated apartheid
towards Israel. Modi dispassionately affirmed India’s kinship with Israel
hidden in thickets of ambiguities. India’s open acknowledgment of special
political relationship with Israel and empathetic personal bonding between the
two leaders in part made up for Israel’s sadness of not getting recognized by
the largest democracy all these years.
India, Israel relations are old,
entwined by civilizational connect and share values of democracy, pluralism.
Both nations which emerged from the shackles of colonialism almost the same
time, faced similar challenges and dilemmas in formative stages were threatened
by menace of terrorism. Unfortunately, despite the plethora of commonalities,
for all its grandstanding towards Palestinian cause, India voted against
creation of Israel state in 1948 and recognized Israel only in 1950 and
established consul ties in 1953. Succumbing to pompous ideological thoughts,
apprehensive of economic turbulence since India interests are critically linked
to Arab nations, India refrained from making rapprochements to Israel. By
1960’s India quietly forged military ties with Israel. Responding to India’s
military needs, anticipating diplomatic ties in return, Israel helped India
during the 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars. India reciprocated Israel’s assistance
by providing military spares during the Six-day war in 1967. Israel became the
first country to recognize Bangladesh after the 1971 liberation war. India
established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 setting stage for friendly
partnership. Over the past 25 years, bilateral ties have improved markedly and
the expanse of cooperation expanded with key focus on agriculture and water
management. Currently 41% of India’s defence purchases are from Israel making
New Delhi largest purchaser of Israeli arms. Defence deals rose to prominence
in the bilateral ties since 2012. In April India signed $2 billion deal for
surface-air-missile system which can shoot down aircrafts, missiles, and drones
within 70km range.
Ever since establishment of
diplomatic relations in 1992 by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, five days
after China, high-level diplomatic visits between both sides infused new bouts
of energy. The earliest visit of first Israel President Ezer Wiezman in 1997
and Ariel Sharon’s visit in 2003 laid a strong foundation for cementing
relations. But an Indian prime ministerial visit to Israel was long overdue. Modi
with his epic stay in Jerusalem, struck right cords. After creation of Israel, Jerusalem
was placed under international control on Dec 13th, 1949. Jerusalem
is important for Muslims, Christians and Jews and has been a contentious issue
in Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel captured eastern part of Jerusalem during the
six-day war. Knesset in 1980, announced that “Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel”. As of
now all embassies are in Tel Aviv, the second largest city of Israel. Israel
has been pressing American to shift embassy to Jerusalem as such a move can
bestow legitimacy.
Outcomes of the Visit
Modi’s visit which has been high
on fellowship and sociability made good strides in terms of diplomacy by
elevating the bilateral relationship to strategic partnership. Core issues of
cooperation included technology, development, innovation, entrepreneurship,
defence and security and special emphasis was laid on intensifying efforts in agriculture
and water management. Realizing the untapped potential of the bilateral trade, leaders
called for collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship. Both countries
identified areas where collaboration and cooperation can be deepened.
Accordingly, $40 million innovation fund was announced, leaders agreed to
expedite negotiations on free trade agreement (FTA) and set bilateral trade
target of $20 billion by 2022 from present $4-5 billion. To enhance trade ties, both leaders mulled
increasing connectivity, encouraged talks on protection of investments and
granting multiple-entry visas for five years for entrepreneurs. India offered
to become partner country for the annual technology summit to be held in 2018. Countries
have agreed to upgrade scientific and technological cooperation including “Big
Data in Health Analytics”, explored the possibility of setting up networked
centers of research excellence. For accelerated advancement in manufacturing,
both leaders evinced the idea of linking ‘Make in India’ with ‘Make with
India’.
Being victims of terrorism, both
leaders condoned terrorism, reiterated strong commitment to fight it in all
forms and manifestations, called for early adoption of Comprehensive Convention
on International Terrorism (CCIT). They discussed issues related to Israeli-
Palestine peace process and reaffirmed support to the agreement between
Homeland and Public security. Unlike European leaders, Modi avoided making any
references to Palestine/ Palestinians publicly.
Seven agreements were signed-to
boost innovation, water conservation and management, agriculture, three more
between ISRO and Israel Space Agency (ISA) which includes cooperation in atomic
clocks. It must be recalled that ISRO is planning to hoist a replacement satellite
for IRNSS1 (one of the satellites of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS) as all the three atomic clocks onboard (obtained from European
countries) failed. Hence an agreement on atomic clock might be helpful. India
and Israeli business leaders signed agreements worth $4.3billion (excluding
defence) on the sidelines of first CEOs Forum. The infectious enthusiasm and
mutually gratifying spirit of exploring business opportunities by business
leaders of both communities is a welcome development. India with 1.3 billion
people, burgeoning middle class has tremendous market potential and Israeli start-ups
are keen on exploring business opportunities.
Modi’s trip to Israel is truly phenomenal.
The extensive local media coverage and amazing hospitality extended by
Netanyahu in accompanying Indian prime minister all the three days speaks for
itself. Seven Indian delegations travelled to Israel prior to Prime Minister’s
visit to prepare ground for an enduring partnership. Right from receiving Modi
at the airport saying, “Aap ka swagat hai
mere dost” in Hindi and Netanyahu’s welcome address as “Prime Minister Modi, we have been waiting
for you for a long time, for almost 70 years in fact. We receive you with open arms.
We love India. We admire your history, culture, democracy, commitment to
progress. We view you as kindred spirits in our common quest to provide a
better future for our people and for our world” explicitly summed up
Israel’s latent pragmatism despite long wait towards formalization of ties with
India.
Making up for the lost ground and
time, Modi made effort to cement good relations. Soon after landing in Tel
Aviv, Modi accompanied by Netanyahu headed to Danziger Farm, where Netanyahu
showed Modi chrysanthemums named after him in honor of his historic visit.
Later Modi visited Yad Vashem, Holocaust Memorial, attended Memorial ceremony
in the Hall of Remembrance and toured Children’s Memorial. At the end of guided
tour, he wrote, “I am deeply moved by my
visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. It is as much a poignant
reminder of the unspeakable evil inflicted generation ago as it is a symbol of
endurance and fortitude of Jewish people. As we deal with conflict,
intolerance, hatred and terror in our time, Yad Vashem serves as mirror to the
society around the World. May we not forget injustices of past and its
devastating toll on humanity and remembering the past. We make empower our
children to make compassionate, just and righteous choices for their future”.
With this touching message, Modi reached out to millions of Israelis whom
people of India sympathize. He made an impromptu visit to the grave of founder
of modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl upon Netanyahu’s suggestion.
Complementing Israeli exuberance,
Modi enthusiastically attended various events to rekindle the squandered
cultural connect. Indian Kings offered shelter to Jews who were forced to flee
from various parts of World. India untouched by Anti-Semitism was perhaps the
only country where Jews were not persecuted. Modi aspires to build bridges with
Israel on the pillars of ancient cultural connect and aims to promote people to
people connect.
Modi met Moshe Holtzberg, who
lost both his parents in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to reflect upon the
malignancy of Islam terrorism that continues to threaten India and Israeli
societies. The Hindu, quoted Moshe’s grandfather reaction to a call requesting
for a meeting “I couldn’t believe my ears
when I got call from the Indian envoy saying that PM Modi wants to meet us. My
immediate thoughts were that we have not been forgotten and that Indians share
our pain”. At the face of it, though the meeting seems trivial the amount
of good will generated is enormous. Israel suffered several terror attacks but
unlike India, the former never left perpetrator unpunished. Reminding India’s inaction to an attack in
February 2012, on the wife of military attache at embassy in New Delhi, The
Haartez, newspaper reported that Netanyahu has raised the issue with Modi during
his talks. Israel believes that Iranian Revolutionary Guards engineered that
attack.
Modi addressed Indian Diaspora
who turned out in huge numbers. He announced that Israeli citizens of Indian
origin will be given Overseas Citizen of India (OIC) card, even if they served
Israeli military and promised direct flights from Delhi-Mumbai-Tel Aviv. Modi
visited Israel Museum for exhibition of India-Jewish Heritage at Jerusalem. Modi
gifted replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, a metal crown, Torah Scroll
donated by Parades Jews In Kerala, the invaluable souvenirs of long Jewish
journey in India. Recapitulating the supreme sacrifices of Indian soldiers in
World War I, Modi laid wreath at Indian cemetery, Haifa, the city where 44
Indian soldiers who liberated it from Ottoman’s were put to rest. He unveiled a
plaque commending valiant efforts of Major Dalpat Singh, the Hero of Haifa in
1918 battle against Turks. Month before Modi’s visit to Israel, Teen Murti
Chowk was renamed as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. Till now, it was largely believed
that the three statues at the Chowk have connections to Mahatma Gandhi. But the statues are a tribute to three famous
Indian state forces (Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad) who played vital role in
capturing Haifa city.
Modi and Netanyahu’s rendezvous
at the beach before Indian Prime Minister’s departure to Hamburg became
headlines in major newspapers of both countries. Modi accompanied by Netanyahu
got a demonstration of mobile desalination cum sea water purification unit, developed
by Gal-Mobile Filtration Plant at the Dor beach. Later Netanyahu drove Modi
along the beach in the Future-Jeep, containing the mobile purification unit.
Israel’s phenomenal technological expertise in water management has surprised
Modi, who was keen on adopting a similar technology to address water-scarcity
problems in various parts of India.
Symbolism, ideological alignment,
convergence on various issues have culminated in resurrection of Indo-Israeli
ties. During his visit, Modi made conscious efforts to reflect on deep ties
between India and Israel. India’s fascination and reverence towards the tiny
country half the size of Kerala with 17 million population can be attributed to
the unbreakable spirit of Israel and its tremendous capacity to rejuvenate itself
from the abyss of tragedies. Also, Hindus share deep emotional connect with
Jews. Hinduism, Judaism are the oldest Abrahamic religious, pluralistic, and
faced threats from Islamists. But for all fabricated scandalous talks against
both countries, they protect minorities. In fact, minorities in India are more
privileged and pre-conditioned to have first right over nations resources (as
envisaged by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) than the majority. Further, India,
despite its military prowess, averred from taking stern against perpetrators of
terror. Hence a sizeable majority in India secretly admires Israel for ruthless
persecution of abettors of terror. Though secular brigade and leftists continue
to loathe India’s affinity towards Israel, an impending upswing in bilateral
ties in every likelihood, is bound to cause them severe heart ache.
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