The philosophy of ‘I for I’ which means ‘India for Israel’ and ‘Israel for India’
The philosophy of ‘I for I’ which means ‘India for Israel’ and ‘Israel for India’ will be strengthened beyond doubt. The bonhomie between the two world leaders Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu has been a matter of global discussion since 2017 – India’s bilateral relations with Israel have set a pace of unprecedented growth during Netanyahu’s tenure.
‘Mazel Tov my friend’
The resolute ‘bromance’ is back on display again as Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Netanyahu for his electoral success with the following words ‘Mazel Tov my friend’. With Netanyahu’s party Likud, also known as the ‘National Liberal Movement’, coming back to power, the political impasse plaguing the country comes to an end. And with this, the geopolitical situation around the globe is set to change.
5th election since 2019
We should not forget that this is the 5th election since 2019. Israel’s fragile and short-lived governments have been formed by an ideologically divided coalition which led to five elections in three years. The first four elections were basically plebiscites on whether Benjamin Netanyahu could rule while facing serious corruption charges. Netanyahu, who was indicted in November 2019, has denied the allegations.
Israel does not have a written constitution, and according to its Basic Laws, elections to Parliament are held every four years, unless the Knesset decides by an ordinary majority to dissolve and trigger early elections.
Unlike in India, Israeli voters vote for parties, not specific candidates. All Israeli citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to vote. Palestinians living on Israeli-occupied territory are not entitled to voting rights.
There are 120 seats in the ‘Knesset’ (Israeli Parliament), and to form the government, a party needs at least 61. However, no party has ever won a majority on its own, and ruling alliances comprising 8-12 parties have been in practice. These parties represent the interests of specific groups, and the constituents of a coalition may hold positions that are contradictory or competing.
In the Israeli system, the only way to break a deadlock is to keep holding elections until someone gets a majority, and since consecutive elections could not provide a stable coalition government, this was the fifth election since 2019 which brought Benjamin Netanyahu back to power with a majority.
Special Relations between Netanyahu and Modi
The cordial relationship between Netanyahu, the longest-serving Israeli leader, and Modi, has been very much ideal, unique and attracted global prominence—especially, on social media. And it went beyond the usual Modi hug. In 2017, Netanyahu dressed in a black t-shirt, with Modi in blush pink, strolling on a beach, became a touchstone for the bromance between the two leaders. Modi was the first Indian prime minister to travel to Israel. This visit is considered a turning point in the relationship between the two countries.
Irrespective of the state head, the relationship between India and Israel has continued well. However, with the return of Netanyahu, the prospects are going to improve and his victory will facilitate an upward trajectory in Indo-Israel relations.
While the bromance may be awaiting a ‘follow-up’ of Modi-Netanyahu bonhomie with strengthened bilateral relations, one thing is for certain— the cordial relations between India and Israel are here to stay. While Modi was quick to congratulate Netanyahu, he also expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid for his contribution to the relationship. “Thank you, for your priority to the India-Israel strategic partnership. I hope to continue our fruitful exchange of ideas for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” tweeted Modi.
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Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement is expected to strengthen
With Netanyahu’s return to power, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Indo-Israel diplomatic relationship has come at the right time to cement Indo-Israel diplomatic relations. Besides, the all-important Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement is expected to strengthen trade relations. Bilateral trade between the two countries has risen considerably in recent times – increased from 900 million dollars in 2000 to 7.86 billion dollars in 2021. “In addition to that, investments in the start-up and tech ecosystems have picked up quite considerably. Notable investors like ‘Teva Pharmaceuticals’, Ecoppia, and Naan Dan Jain have undertaken significant initiatives in the clean energy, water management, and health domains in India. Adani group from India have invested a great deal having acquired Haifa Port. It would be interesting to see to what extent Modi-Netanyahu special chemistry will provide impetus to this agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be credited with taking the Israel-India relationship to exemplary heights. If he became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country, Pranab Mukherjee had the distinction of being the first President to travel to Israel in 2015. In the past few years—and especially during Netanyahu’s tenure—India has made gallant strides in boosting its relationship with Israel.
Exceptional Military Relations
Apart from trade, India and Israel have now executed strong military ties for which Netanyahu should be accredited for his overzealous and effective initiatives. India imports 40% of its arms from Israel. The two nations are also keen to collaborate in the production of key military equipment and the development of futuristic technologies for the armed forces. It was only after Modi visited Israel in 2017, that space cyber security received the required impetus. Since then, various Israeli unicorns such as Wiz, Orca Security, and Coralogix have started operations in India.
In the coming times, with the Netanyahu-Modi duo back, a knowledge-based partnership is set to increase, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India and Israel now have an extensive and comprehensive economic, military and political relationship.
Unconditional support for Kashmir
It is also noteworthy to mention that Benjamin Netanyahu a trusted friend, has promised to extend unconditional support to India on the issue of Kashmir and a hard stance against terrorism, India has secured a stronger ally in the middle east.
5 Reasons why Netanyahu’s Israel matters to India
- Defence.
- Agriculture.
- Trade.
- Diplomacy.
- Water management
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