Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel is long overdue. Diplomatic relations with Israel were started 25 years ago. But progress in bilateral ties has been halted owing to the traditional bond with Palestine. Modi’s visit marks a pragmatic turn. It should not however cause an estrangement with Palestine. There is no reason to think that amity with Israel will impair good relations with the Arab world which is itself divided. Saudi Arabia and China are low down on the human rights index but India tries to be friendly with these countries. Israel is a vibrant democracy. It is said that Muslims are persecuted by Jews in Israel. But Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are blacklisted for the persecution of Shias and China for the persecution of Ulghurs.
It should also be recalled that Israel supported India during the 1971 and Kargil wars with Pakistan. Modi’s visit to Tel-Aviv should deepen engagement in traditional and non-traditional sectors. Defence ties and cooperation in security infrastructure will take precedence. Since April India has signed three missile deals with Israel worth $2.6 billion. Armed drones are expected to come. Agreements on space exploration, agriculture and water are on the drawing board. Israel has the second largest number of start-ups and a robust R&D culture. Ties with Israel will help the ‘Make in India’ initiative. There will be a strengthening of counter-terrorism in mutual interest. Finally, it should facilitate ties with the Jewish lobby in the Trump administration in the US.
