India–Israel Relations: Strategic Interests, Politics and Diplomatic Pragmatism

This monograph concentrates on the relations between India and Israel. The State of Israel, which was established in 1948, was recognized by India on 18 September 1950. However, the two countries established full diplomatic relations only on 29 January 1992.

Indo-Israeli relations from 1948 to 1991 were characterized by a partial pro-Arab and anti-Israeli foreign policy. This stance reflected India's own interest in the Middle East as well as its traditional sympathy with the Arabs; it was further influenced by India's commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the sentiments of Indian Muslims.

In 1992 a significant diplomatic change occurred, when India and Israel established full diplomatic relations.

Successive Indian governments have influenced Indian foreign policy on Israel. Under the governments headed by the BJP (1998-2004) the relations between the two countries reached new heights. Despite the slowdown since 2004, bilateral relations between India and Israel in general and their defense relations in particular have continuously evolved positively, centring on the convergence of the two countries' strategic interests.