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India-Israel Bilateral Relations

History and Evolution

India recognised Israel in 1950 but for over four decades maintained a policy of limited engagement to preserve ties with Arab states and solidarity with the Palestinian cause under the Non-Aligned Movement framework. Full diplomatic relations were established only in January 1992, when India opened an embassy in Tel Aviv. Since then, the relationship has grown rapidly, especially in defence and technology. Modi's July 2017 visit — the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel — marked the formal elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Key details
  • Recognition of Israel by India: 1950 (but no formal diplomatic relations until 1992)
  • Full diplomatic relations established: January 1992 — India opened embassy in Tel Aviv
  • Strategic Partnership declared: July 2017 (Modi's first visit to Israel)
  • 2017 agreements: Strategic deals worth $4.3 billion; $40 million India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (Bird Foundation)
  • India's position on Palestine: Traditionally supported two-state solution; diplomatic balancing between Israel and Arab nations
  • Bilateral trade: $200 million in 1992 → $6.5 billion in 2024
  • Israel: India's second-largest defence supplier (after Russia, ahead of France and the US in certain categories)
In the news

Tracked since February 22, 2026 · last seen August 06, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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