India–Israel Relations: From Distance To Strategic Partnership, A Diplomatic Journey Across Decades

Published: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 21:32 [IST]

India and Israel today cooperate closely in defence, innovation, agriculture, intelligence and water technology. However, the relationship developed slowly over decades. For many years New Delhi kept political distance while supporting the Palestinian cause, before gradually moving toward open engagement and strategic partnership.

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India and Israel's relationship evolved from initial political distance—due to India's support for the Palestinian cause and anti-colonial stance—to a strategic partnership marked by defense, innovation, and diplomatic ties, with key events including Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to a Jewish state, India's recognition of Israel in 1950, and increased cooperation after 1992 and the Kargil War.

Early Ideological Distance And Pro-Palestine Position

India's early foreign policy was shaped by anti-colonial thinking and solidarity with Arab nations.

Key developments

1938 - Mahatma Gandhi publicly opposed the idea of a Jewish state in Palestine, arguing that Palestine belonged to the Arabs.
1947 - India voted against the UN Partition Plan for Palestine in the UN General Assembly.
1950 - India officially recognised the State of Israel but avoided full diplomatic ties.
1953 - Israel opened a consulate in Mumbai, yet relations remained limited and low-profile.
1974 - India recognised the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
1988 - India recognised the State of Palestine, reinforcing its pro-Palestine diplomatic stand.

Quiet Cooperation During Wars

Even while political ties were restricted, security needs pushed both countries toward discreet cooperation.

Key developments

1962 - During the India-China war, Israel reportedly provided military assistance to India.
1971 - Israel again quietly helped India during the India-Pakistan war.
January 29, 1992 - India and Israel established full diplomatic relations, marking the real beginning of open engagement.

Strategic Trust After Kargil And Terror Attacks

After formal diplomatic ties, defence and security cooperation accelerated quickly.

Key developments

1999 (Kargil War) - Israel supplied crucial military equipment and surveillance systems to India.
2003 - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli premier to visit India.
2008 (Mumbai terror attacks) - Israeli nationals were killed at the Chabad House, strengthening intelligence sharing and counter-terror cooperation.

Era Of Open Partnership And High-Level Visits

The 21st century transformed the relationship into an open strategic partnership across multiple sectors.

Key developments

2017 - Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel, signalling a diplomatic shift.
2018 - Benjamin Netanyahu visited India, expanding cooperation in defence, agriculture, water technology and innovation.
2020 - India and Israel joined the I2U2 grouping with the US and UAE for economic and strategic projects.

Balancing Strategy In A Changing Middle East

India now follows a calibrated foreign policy in West Asia, maintaining ties with both sides.

Key developments

2023-2024 Gaza conflict - India condemned terrorism while continuing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, reflecting a balancing approach.

From early political opposition to deep defence and technology collaboration, India-Israel relations have evolved into one of the most significant partnerships in India's modern foreign policy framework.