India’s massive diplomatic engagement with ASEAN Countries

To commemorate celebrations of the 69^th Republic Day, India has extended invitation to not just one country but the leaders of the 50-year old regional forum ASEAN signifying the importance of nurturing ties with countries in the extended neighborhood. ASEAN comprises of 10 south east Asian nations- Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei and Myanmar. Aside, the deep cultural and historical connect, Buddhism and Ramayana connect India with ASEAN. All the leaders unanimously accepted the invitation to grace the seminal event as Chief guests reflecting their recognition of India as a rising power. India’s unprecedented outreach besides giving fresh impetus to Modi’s Act East Policy will offer an excellent opportunity to deepen foundations four pillars of cooperation-economic, political, cultural and maritime security.  This constructive engagement with the ASEAN group eventually marks 25 years of partnership, 15 years of summit-level interactions and five years of strategic relationship.

At the fag end of Cold War, mired by financial crisis, Prime Minister PV Narasimha initiated new economic reforms and formally initiated Look East Policy to establish strong economic ties with “tiger economies” of ASEAN. The policy has become central to India’s approach towards different countries in ASEAN with varied political orientations. Reinforcing the need for shifting from westward thinking to eastward thinking, Prime Minister Modi rechristened the initiative as Act East policy in 2014. But interestingly, even before India vigorously pursue ties with South East Asia, China evolved into a regional actor developing strong, trade and transactional relations with ASEAN countries which strengthened with time.

With the collapse of Soviet Union, China became more relevant to the region. While the end of Cold War presented an opportunity for India and Japan as well to engage with South East Asian nations, China had already made massive inroads into the region by then. Since 1992, India continued to engage with ASEAN through ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (for peaceful resolution of regional disputes), East Asian Summit (EAS), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum(EAMF). But China always had an “early starter” advantage. As steadily China clambered growth trajectory it began to intensify claims in the South China Sea (SCS) and brow-beat smaller neighbors. Among the ASEAN nations, it has disputes with Philippines and Vietnam over the Scarborough Shoal and Spartly Islands. While Vietnam refused to bow down to China, Philippines pulled up China to ICJ (International Court of Justice). Though the verdict was against China, Beijing refused to accept and infamously compelled Philippines to fall in line with its financial heft. By signing huge investment deals with Cambodia and Laos Beijing suppressed any resistance to its military assertion in the region. Alerted by China’s claims over 80% of SCS, Indonesia recently named the Sea near Natuna islands as North Natuna Sea. By bailing out 1 MBD beleaguered State investment fund, Beijing tamed Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. ASEAN nations are now wary of China’s territorial claims over the strategically important SCS which accounts to trade flows worth $5trillion. Unfortunately, ASEAN group which came into existence as a bulwark against China is now devitalized since nations are unable to reach a consensus over maritime issues. China’s unabated military assertion is triggering insecurities among the ASEAN countries. India’s reluctance to buckle down under Chinese pressure during the 70- day long Doklam standoff has given enough reason for ASEAN nations to look towards India as a geostrategic alternative in the region. Further, India’s potential as a fast-growing economy, huge market potential and investment opportunities have prompted ASEAN to deepen cooperation with New Delhi.

Ever since 1992, despite change in political leadership India consistently maintained good relations with ASEAN. With economic cooperation high on agenda in the second decade of partnership with ASEAN, both sides signed free trade agreement in 2003.  But bilateral trade failed to reach full potential. On the other hand, ASEAN countries, adept in manufacturing benefitted from bilateral trade. India began pitching for agreement on services its forte. India-ASEAN Agreements on Trade in Services and Investments came into force on July 1^st, 2015. But as of now gains have been modest. Indo-ASEAN bilateral trade currently stands at $70 billion as against target of $200 billion by 2020. Indian trade deficit in part is worsened by South Asian countries trade barriers on agriculture goods, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Contrastingly, China-ASEAN bilateral trade amounts to whopping $450 billion. India accounts for 2.6% of ASEAN’s external trade. Similarly, India’s investment in ASEAN pale in comparison with Japan and China.

India has special relations with some ASEAN countries like Vietnam. Similarly, New Delhi signed a pact for enhancing maritime security cooperation with Singapore and stepped up defence cooperation with Philippines. Now both sides are exploring all possibilities to strengthen economic relations. ASEAN countries are batting for early conclusion of RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), a mega trade arrangement constitution ASEAN countries, India, China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. India is reluctant since its doesn’t have robust connectivity with ASEAN countries and fears China swamping colossal Indian markets. Unfortunately, crucial connectivity projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Corridor though the troubled Rakhine province and the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway have been inordinately delayed exacerbating connectivity issues. In a bid to address connectivity constraints, under the Act East policy, India is vigorously pursuing infrastructure development projects in the North East region which is a land bridge to South East Asia.  

While ASEAN countries are enthusiastic about India’s interest in regional integration and connectivity, they want greater participation of Indian navy in South East Asia. Though ASEAN welcomed references to India as Indo-Pacific power they anticipate New Delhi to take stronger stand on China’s burgeoning military aggression in the region. But India is reluctant to take a proactive role in ASEAN since the group is largely undivided. A subgroup within ASEAN tacitly approves China’s manipulation of Code of Conduct.

At a time, region is embroiled by geopolitical uncertainty, India’s bold initiative towards restructuring regional architecture had found congruence with aspirations of ASEAN countries. India held two-day Indo-ASEAN summit on the eve of Republic Day held on 24-25^th January themed on “Maritime cooperation and Security” with a focus on counterterrorism, security, and connectivity. In the two days, Modi held bilateral talks with all heads of states which was followed by a retreat at Rashtrapathi Bhavan. As a mark of solidarity and strengthening common heritage, commemorative postal stamp on Ramayana was released. Bharat ASEAN Maitri Park was inaugurated. Additionally, India conferred Padma Sri on one individual from each of the ASEAN countries in recognition of their distinguished services. Also, a tableau themed on India-ASEAN friendship marched along the Republic Day contingent. Aside, high optical display and symbolism of friendship and solidarity between India and ASEAN, Prime Minister Modi at the plenary session of the summit laid out few guidelines to rejuvenate and cement ties. Speaking at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (AICS), Modi broached on swift progression of Indo-ASEAN journey which began as sectoral dialogue and matured into a strategic partnership in the past 25 years and commended the progress of implementation of third action plan 2016-2020. As of now there are 30 sectoral dialogue mechanisms, seven ministerial level initiatives to deepen the partnership. Modi affirmed, “India shares ASEAN’s vision of peace and prosperity through the rules-based order for the oceans and seas. Respect for international law, notably UNCLOS is critical for this”. He promised, “we remain committed to work with ASEAN to enhance practical cooperation and collaboration in our shared maritime domain”. Reassuring that India-ASEAN relations are built on 3Cs of- Commerce, Connectivity and Culture, Modi invoked the need for revitalizing the rich ancient civilizational links. Simultaneously, India is actively mobilizing BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) to step up ties with maritime neighbors which includes ASEAN countries Myanmar and Thailand. India is thus adopting a multi-pronged approach to nurture ties with extended neighborhood through various platforms.

The collective presence of ASEAN leaders made the Republic day celebrations more special. This new momentum generated by Modi’s pragmatic diplomacy undoubtedly asserted India’s commitment towards regional integration. With SAARC temporarily buried, India should deepen ties with South East Asia, a region wary of China’s hegemony and military assertion. Vietnam can be India’s pressure point against China. With China deftly encircling India, pulling all its neighbors into its orbit, India must consider strategic maritime expansion into the vast Indo-Pacific region. Since India can’t match the deep pockets of China for making huge investments in the ASEAN countries it should widen maritime security cooperation and partner with Japan to make forays into the Indo-Pacific region. India’s steady rise has raised the expectations of ASEAN countries. It is time India extends unflinching solidarity to ASEAN and contribute toward promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Also, India should generously employ ‘soft power’ like promoting people to people links, nurturing ancient civilizational connect by setting up tangible and intangible heritage circuits. India’s trade ties with ASEAN countries are not uniform. New Delhi would stand to gain if it can rope in fastest growing economies like- Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Philippines into Make in India initiative. A broad-based approach of strengthening economic ties, connectivity networks and maritime cooperation with ASEAN can make India a major player in building new order in Asia.

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India’s moment at the Davos Summit

World Economic Forum the brain child of German entrepreneur Klaus Schwab started in 1971 at Cologny attained its present avatar in 1987. Ever since, the platform has attained international acclaim for its fervent commitment towards addressing various sector specific issues. It once had been a place for resolving international conflicts. Every year, stalwarts from various fields are recognized, respected, revered and honored for their illustrious contributions. For its immense international influence and stature, participants of WEF are even referred to as “Davos Men”. The prestigious annual WEF summit Meet at Davos, a small ski-resort in Switzerland is attended by World leaders, academicians, businessmen, billionaires, economists, and other stalwarts in various avenues. There can be no better international platform than Davos to highlight India’s potential for immense opportunities and growth. Committed to carving a new India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to deliver keynote address at the plenary session of the 48^th Davos WEF themed on “creating a shared future in a fractured World”.

As prophesized 21^st century has been Asian Century. Countries are now eagerly looking forward for new leaders to lead the World. This new change is marked by a sudden in fulcrum of geopolitics with centers of power and dynamism shifting from West to East. President Trump’s “America First” policy, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and pulling out from TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) underscored his protectionist policies spurring American retraction from the global arena creating a power vacuum. Trump’s isolationist regime, augured China’s enthusiasm to reshape World order. Seizing this opportunity, ennobling globalization, President Xi, charmed the World pledging to uphold free trade and spurned protectionism at Davos last year. Xi indeed made a fervent bid to hijack the mantle of global leadership. His pragmatic bid rekindled hopes of businessmen who were crest-fallen by a sudden upsurge in populism across the World. In the past five years, China’s avalanche of growth added a new vigor to global economy. It contributed over 25% to global economy dwarfing the contribution of other major economies and emerged as economic super power. Incidentally, international community looked forward to China with Trump embracing protectionism. While Chinese contribution to World economy is much higher now than it was when it clocked 10%, slowly it is inching towards a stagnation. Global investors are now eagerly looking for bigger, consumer markets and investment destinations.

Though World had subdued suspicions of China’s leadership for its communist underpinnings, with over 60 countries endorsing Beijing’s ambitious OBOR (One Belt One Road) project of resurrecting global connectivity its prospects as an emerging super power brightened. But the Chinese halo was short lived as reports of China’s debt trap diplomacy, opaque functioning, and its indifference towards environmental concerns under the ruse of OBOR began to rock the World. The West which was already experiencing huge trade deficits due to China’s indiscriminate pricing policies, excess production, violation of WTO rules and coercion of corporates into technology transfer felt suddenly threatened by China’s dubious free market claims.  Further, China’s nonchalant disregard to India’s territorial claims, 70-week standoff at Doklam, reminded the World of Beijing cavalier rejection of the PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) ruling South China Sea. China’s growing intervention in domestic affairs of its vassal states is now under scanner. Also, Beijing’s aggressive posturing in Indo-Pacific region and intemperate siding with North Korea alerted World of its dubious intentions.

Registering stable growth rate buoyed by robust economic indicators India emerged as favored business investment destination. India’s democratic values and free market regime evoked new interest in Western World boosting its credentials. Additionally, the new spurt in dynamism, conviction to reform India and infuse new energy through colossal economic reforms by the Modi regime suddenly heightened investors interest in India. Audacious implementation of monumental amends like demonetization, rolling out a single tax regime through GST which had direct implications in terms of electoral outcomes testified Modi’s commitment to reform and transform India. While Indian opposition mocked Modi’s financial inclusion drive Jan Dhan Yojana and other initiatives like Make in India, Skill India, Start Up India, Stand Up India, Digital India, international community reposed great faith in his vision. Signing of Paris Climate Agreement, establishment of International Solar Alliance by roping in over 100 tropical countries echoed well with the aspirations of the international community. Besides, propitious predictions regarding India’s growth story coupled with steady inflow of the FDI’s making it fifth largest investment destination changed international perceptions of India. While IMF lowered India’s growth rate due to demonetization and GST, Morgan & Stanley estimated that India would become third largest economy (in terms of nominal GDP) after China and US by 2028. These pragmatic predictions about Indian economy by prestigious foreign economic institutions, upgradation of India’s credit ranking, improvement in ease of doing business ranking together catapulted India’s stature as a promising emerging economy. As a fastest growing emerging economy with a middle-class population of over 600 million and high demographic dividend India offered invaluable business opportunities.  Moreover, irrespective of the growth rate, India under the present dispensation which can take tough decisions is increasingly perceived as aspirational nation. With World skeptical of Chinese iniquitous intentions and America’s self-imposed isolationism India is now considered for a responsible role in global order. Modi’s keynote address peppered with global vision in these conflicting times is thus a modest attempt.

For the first time in twenty years, Indian Prime Minister has made a speech at Davos. In his opening address to the plenary session, Modi has put forth a vision for “shared future in a fractured world”. Invoking civilizational values of India, Modi enunciated that Indian scriptures, believed in the concept of the vasudaika kutumbakam (the World is one family) which eloquently suits the theme of the current Davos summit. Contemporary world replete of fractures, bereft of harmony calls for resolving prevailing fissures, the offshoots of existing income inequalities, disparities and distribution of resources to evolve a global vision. He summarized that the World is challenged by three threats- terrorism, climate change and protectionism. Terrorism which is now a bigger threat is now becoming potentially dangerous as young and educated youth are being increasingly radicalized. With regards to terrorism, in a veiled dig aimed at China which has been supporting Pakistan he warned nations against differentiating terrorism into good and bad terrorism. Climate change has become cause of intense global concern. Extreme weather events like excess rainfall, drought have become more common. Modi urged nations to join hands towards curbing emissions. For long, developed countries have alleged that India had failed to make useful contributions towards amelioration of climate. In this connection, Modi reminded that India has been one of the earliest signatories of Paris Climate Agreement and that India is now meeting a third of its energy requirements through renewable sources in the past three years. Modi stressed on the need for developing an inclusive society and castigated an isolationist approach. He appealed nations to adopt rules-based approach. He reiterated that democratic values and principles guided India’s rise which is committed to preserve liberal democratic order. He extolled the virtues of Indian wisdom that offered solutions for each of these threats. Quoting verses from Upanishads, Modi said India has been a land of knowledge which believed in oneness, prayed for peace, wellbeing of humanity and never advocated violence. He attested that Indian scriptures offered a variety of techniques like Ashtang Yoga and meditation to cleanse evils like greed, pride and ego and hailed Indian repositories of knowledge as its soft power. Besides promoting India’s soft power- its cuisine and Yoga, Modi flaunted the accomplishments of his regime. Pledging to further improve ease of doing business, Modi made every effort to sell India’s growth story.

Modi’s empathetic approach towards challenges of contemporary world, his vision peppered with snippets of knowledge from Indian scriptures, conviction towards building a shared future has truly made a mark. His eloquent articulation drawing relevance to Indian thought and approach has elevated Indian stature signifying India arrival at the World stage.  

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Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)s: Hard to ignore

The idea of existence of alien life, exploration of extra-terrestrial life and spotting of vague flying objects always enticed the scientific community. Fueling scientific passions, a genre of writers began producing a manifold variety of scientific fiction to whet the inherent curiosity and inquisitiveness of the science enthusiasts. Soon, flying saucers or flying discs/ Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)s became extensively used terms in common parlance. Colloquially, references to UFO became synonymous to an alien space craft. While there has always been a latent obsession towards UFO, the issue started gaining more momentum ever since US government’s public disclosure.

On 16^th December 2017 US Defense Department conceded that it funded a program on UFO till 2012 which existed in various avatars. The $600 million Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) which was shut down in 2012, started in 2007 at the behest of Nevada Senator Harry Reid. New revelations suggest the program was run by an aerospace company run by billionaire entrepreneur Robert Bigleow, a friend of Reid who is currently working with NASA for developing an expandable raft for humans in space. Upon repeated questioning senator Reid confided that black money was used to fund the program on UFO which was classified and designated as “restricted special access program”. Backing the program in 2009 government argued that “what was considered as science fiction is now a science fact”. AATIP which was started with much fanfare was mysteriously terminated suddenly in 2012. Now hell broke loose with several Pentagon officials questioning government funding since earlier projects on UFOs were called off for negative conclusions. 

In US, for long, scientific communities and defense personnel locked horns over the existence of UFOs. Scientists asserted that the overwhelming banner of UFO included not only rare sightings but unusual phenomenon that are largely unexplained by science. Experts argued often certain unusual natural phenomenon which are categorized as UFOs merited serious investigation and should be taken up case by case. Debunking the myth of UFOs researchers implored government to exercise caution and not attribute everything to the existence of alien creatures.

Post-world war II, US initiated projects to extensively investigate UFO’s on grounds of national security which intensified during the cold war era.  In 1948, US instituted Project Sign, a highly classified program to probe the extraterrestrial origins of flying saucers and was dismantled within a year without making the details of study public. This was soon followed by Project Grudge which was replaced by Project Blue Book which was officially closed in 1970 marking the end of US government’s official support to UFO program. Ambiguous denouements of the projects frustrated defense personnel who soon withdrew from these projects. But nonetheless enthusiastic astronomers and scientists soon formed private scientific consortiums and pursued investigations of UFO with renewed vigor. Parallelly, bewitched by the mysteries of alien life, NASA started looking for signs of life in the Solar System. Currently, UFO investigations in US are collectively taken up by SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) which searches for signs of life by monitoring electromagnetic radiations, NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and Mars Science Laboratory.

Despite the overwhelming frenzy to reconnoiter and explore UFOs, focused investigations on the same are not discussed openly even now. UFO study is still considered a stigma by US defense personnel who questioned the justification behind allotment of huge amounts of funds for UFO investigations.

Interestingly though existence of UFOs is often dismissed as conspiracy theory, fib of occultism and fictitious, harrowing experiences of Naval personnel and Sailors have prompted institutions and countries to investigate UFOs. Now countries like France, Sweden, Russia, China, UK, Canada and Latin American countries are pursuing UFO investigation in a big way. Soon the study of UFOs has graduated into a neologism referred to as Ufology. In a major boost towards searching for extraterrestrial life, in 2015 Stephen Hawking, spearheaded a new program, Breakthrough Initiatives funded by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner to search for intelligent alien life.

While contrarian views regarding UFOs their relevance, existence and need for investigations continue to trigger huge debate, a new sighting by sky observers is enthralling scientists. The team of Breakthrough Listen has identified a 260ft long cigar shaped space craft hurtling through the Solar system at speeds of 196,000mph in October 2017. Ever since scientists have been closely monitoring the interstellar object initially believed to be an asteroid or a comet. Discovered by Pan-Starrs Project at the University of Hawai, it was termed as Oumuamua, a Hawaiian term meaning scout or messenger. International Astronomical Union (IAU) designated this object as I1/2017U1, I as in Interstellar, 1 since it is first object to enter our Solar System from the outer confines. Scientists found that the object has been emitting electromagnetic radiations not produced in nature. Though scientists haven’t arrived at unanimity with regards to its origin they found that the interstellar object is unusual for a rock. Travelling at speeds several fold more than light, it is unlikely to be bound by gravitational force of Sun. Its architecture suggests that it was designed to minimize damage from interstellar dust and gases. Based on its speed and trajectory, scientists estimated that it will soon bypass Jupiter and exit our Solar System. Investigations contended the object to be first ever craft to have visited our solar system suggesting the possibility of existence of alien civilizations. This discovery added more heft to the claims of Stephen Hawking who unequivocally believed in the existence of advanced aliens and their colonization of planets whichever they can reach. This new celestial discovery can span out be a turning point in the study of UFOs.

For decades, several scientific groups believed that UFOs are real and represent advanced technology. But none of the groups could convincingly authenticate their claims. Rapid advancements in science, synergistic cooperation between various institutions backed by financial resources is now offering new hope for UFO enthusiasts. While UFO investigation is still considered a taboo, the longing excitement to unravel vast expanses of Universe and alien civilizations continues to propel science zealots to relentlessly fathom the enchanting mysteries of unexplored realms. 

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Can India and Israel be friends?

The six-day long visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India embellished with vibrant display of affability and congeniality instilled new hopes of building steadfast bilateral ties. For long the treasured set of shared values and traditions are incessantly invoked to reiterate the ease of nurturing the friendship. Currently the added dimension of fluctuating geopolitical scenario and growing menace of Islamic terror is propelling India to adopt a bold approach towards Israel. Decades of ideological entrapment, minority pandering hamstrung Indian foreign policy and prevented New Delhi from fostering friendly ties with Israel. Incidentally, India became one of the last major countries in the World to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Despite commonalities of pluralism and democracy, India reluctantly accepted Israel. Having internalized the radical interpretations of Jewish claims leaders of independent India stubbornly persisted with ideological obduracy of supporting Palestinians. Though successive governments showed marginal shifts, Indian approach towards Israel was by and large besieged by sentimentalism, accentuated by fears of loss of remittances worth $35 billion sent by the seven million Indian expatriates working Middle East and energy dependency on the region. Towing along the set guidelines of Nehruvian era, India has been extending unexceptional solidarity to Palestine. Irrespective of Arab World’s unabashed indifference towards India at international forums regarding Kashmir issue, India never wavered from its ideological posturing. In sharp contrast, India hardly reciprocated Israel’s timely help during various wars. Indian politicians trapped in political polarization grossly undermined the need for reorienting Indian foreign policy to champion Indian interests in the ever-changing global scenario.

For various reasons, India’s political right always held Israel in high esteem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sweeping electoral victory in 2014 raised new hopes of infusing fresh energy into Indo-Israel ties. Along expected lines, Modi who had developed exemplary personal relations with Netanyahu as Chief Minister of Gujarat met him just months after assuming the office of Prime Minister along the sidelines of UNGA at New York in 2014. In 2015, India abstained from voting against Israel at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) setting a new precedent. Subsequently, the bilateral ties received a great boost with reciprocal high-level visits. In fact, Modi’s historic visit to Israel in July 2017, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Jewish Land further revivified friendly ties. Fortifying friendship, in November 2017 India sent Super Hercules and 45-member contingent to participate in the Blue Flag-17 multilateral military exercise conducted by Israel. But India’s vote against Israel at the United Nations General Assembly essentially disapproving the US decision of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and reports of cancellation of $500 million purchase deal of Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) apparently raised doubts about the verisimilitude of Indian diplomacy under Modi regime.

Netanyahu’s reciprocal visit to India amidst Delhi’s paradoxical posturing has heightened the curiosity of International observers. Netanyahu who arrived in India on 14^th January with over 130 business delegates is scheduled to visit Ahmedabad, Agra, and Mumbai. Setting aside official protocol, Modi received Netanyahu at the airport. The exceptional warmth and exchange of welcome hugs suggested that personal chemistry and comaraderie of leaders was hardly affected by India’s vote against Israel. Cementing the continued engagement both countries signed seven MoUs in the areas of cyber security, oil and natural gas, air transport, film production, homeopathy, space technology and investment opportunities. Indo-Israeli collaboration for the past 10 years in the agriculture and water management has yielded excellent results. Under the objective of sharing best practices and technical know-how, fifteen Centers of Excellences were established across Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat to impart training to farmers in new technologies. Both Prime Ministers visited Centre of Excellence in Vadrad Gujarat, to inspect its functioning and inaugurated another Centre in Bhuj. Similarly, cooperation between two countries in science and technology made substantial progress prompting both sides to upgrade collaboration in these fields.  The bilateral trade which was $200 million jumped to $4.16 billion by 2016, largely in favor of Israel. FDI inflows from Israel as of 2016 amounted to $107.6 million. Another major area where Israel made significant impact in India is Defence. Israel, a pioneering leader in advanced weapons technology is a major defence supplier of India next to US and Russia.

Innovation has been mainstay of Israel. India must make innovation its mantra to usher country to realms of economic prosperity. Speaking at the Indo-Israel business event, Modi invited Israeli business leaders to invest in India promising more reforms to further improve ease of doing business. Stating that India has immense development potential and vast opportunities for Israeli business Modi said, “Last year in July, I visited Israel, the first such visit to Israel from India. I experienced remarkable spirit of innovation, enterprise and perseverance that drive Israel”. He launched the India-Israel Innovation Bridge. To encourage innovation, both leaders inaugurated iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) Centre in Ahmedabad which aims to nurture, incubate, and train imaginative minds to harness innovation. Concurring with Modi’s focus on innovation, Netanyahu speaking to top corporates stressed that “future belongs to those who innovate” and India being a free nation has the right ecosystem where innovate can flourish. Rightfully, India must emulate Israel’s success story of being elite innovative nation and seamlessly collaborate with the Jewish nation.

Global politics is going through a tectonic shift and India should make necessary amends to its expired policies. Aside the resplendent optics and dynamic display of warmth, speaking at Raisina Dialogue, Netanyahu advised, “I like soft power, but hard power is usually better. You need F-35s, cyber, a lot of intelligence…where does the power for hard power come from? It comes from economic power” and admitted that Israel achieved the goal of economic power to build military. Bordered by belligerent neighbors, brothers-in-arms and relentlessly imperiled by ruthless transgressions Indian indispensability for a powerful military is obligatory. A strong economy can alone empower India to build a powerful army equipped with modern equipment.

India is projected to emerge as the third largest economy. With all the robust economic indicators finally in place, India is considered a lucrative destination for foreign investments. EU is the largest trading partner of Israel. But with all major European countries experiencing sharp economic slowdown, Israel has pivoted towards large Asian markets. Israel’s booming investments and soaring trade volumes with China reflects Israel’s marked shift in strategy. Despite its burgeoning economic and trade ties with China, Israel prefers democratic India with a free market economy. Moreover, Israel considers India as valuable partner and loves India for being the only country where Jews were welcomed and never discriminated. India has been home for Jews for over 2000 years.

While it is often cautioned that India should strike a fine balance in its ties with Israel and Palestine, the perception no longer seems to hold any ground. India would be committing a grave mistake, if it believes in championing Palestinian cause would lead to ideological salvation. Besides, Arab countries are now looking up to Israel for modern technology and with threat of rising Iran looming high Israel’s isolation is diminishing. After Trump’s suspension of aid to Pakistan, it is increasingly tilting towards China. Reports indicate Islamabad is seeking assistance of Beijing for fortification of bunkers along the LoC. The unremitting cross border infiltrations by Pakistan and latest satellite pictures showing China building roads in PoK’s Saksham Valley, north of Siachen Glacier, Pakistan-China duo are now steadily tightened noose around India. Like India Israel is surrounded by warring nations. Also, both countries being worst victims of terrorism and extremism have been waging a relentless crusade against their enemies. Similarly, Israel’s steady economic progression can be an immense learning. Netanyahu miraculous economic consolidation can be worth emulating. He single-handedly saved Israeli economy from economic downturn in 2009 as a result its GDP reached an all-time high in 2016. Israel has indeed many lessons to offer for India in various avenues. Strategic commonalities and synergistic economic complementarities between two countries offer and excellent opportunity for building and upgrading the partnership to a next level. Pragmatic assessment of global scenario and a common vision for relationship calls for   catapulting the bilateral ties to a level of privileged strategic partnership.

Israel has been the only country to supply weapons when international community has imposed sanctions on India. Israel had always pitched in to rescue India during crucial situations. Moreover, Global perception of Israel has changed significantly. Despite the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) launched against Israel, its trade and economic ties remained unaffected. On the contrary, Israel’s trade with EU and Asian countries registered a sharp increase. Latin American countries have ended support anti-Israel resolutions. Israel has established ties with 15 African countries. Indeed, it must be noted when other Muslim countries loudly protested Trump’s Jerusalem move, Arab countries condemnation was just mere whimper. Israel’s global isolation is diminishing. India must now transcend transactional approach with Israel and should start acknowledging it as a friend openly to instill confidence and build trust. This in turn would aid in forging economic and trade alliances.

In his final leg of India tour, hours after unveiling a plaque commemorating the victims of 26/11 along with Moshe Holtzberg who lost both his parents to the brutal terrorist attacks at Mumbai Chabad House, Netanyahu backed India’s right to destroy terror hideouts along the LoC. No other foreign leader on his state visit has ever openly endorsed India’s right to defend Kashmiri territory. Japan has been the only nation to extend support to India during Doklam transgressions (but the article 9 of constitution imposes curbs on a military action).  Unresolved Kashmir issue has been an outcome of reprehensible historical blunders. For the past seven decades, India has been paying heavy price for same which is draining India of its resources. Tied down by pusillanimity, fear of international ostracization and domestic polarization Kashmir issue has been a pestering sour. Netanyahu’s reassuring stance in case of India’s unilateral combative stand “Well, let’s say this, we have some understanding and I don’t think I have to add beyond that” in his interview to TOI, irrefutably apprised India of Israel’s willingness to assist in the hour of need. Perhaps, this is Israel’s way of telling India that nations respect power and strength. India can restrain China’s stealthy transgressions only if New Delhi can choke Pakistan. Being a reckless bully, China’s hegemonic aspirations can be subdued through wanton display of aggression. Ever since carving out a nation for Jews, Israel tamed neighboring bellicose countries with envious audacious actions. So long as India’s vital energies and resources are dissipated in safe guarding borders it can barely realize the dream of becoming an economic superpower.    

Barring Indian dependence on Iran for energy needs and strategic connectivity which appears to be sole discordant point between India and Israel with an enormous convergence over a range of issues…can the two nations home to oldest religions become all weather friends?

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