Narendra Modi goes down in the history of India and Israel to be the 1st Prime Minister of India to visit the State of Israel. His visit attains more significance as our country kept at bay from establishing diplomatic relations even though we have Jewish community settled in India for over a thousand years. On the contrary the Government of India should have kept in mind we have hostile neighbors who time and again waged wars on us and keeping this in mind India should have established diplomatic relations upon the birth of Israel in May 1948.
Israel is a robust country with citizens of high degree of nationalism and patriotism with ladies in police and armed forces. It has fought 2 wars with its immediate neighbours Egypt, Syria and Jordan. During the time of war all men in uniform go to defend the borders and ladies in uniform maintain internal security.
The Indian government did not establish relations with Israel for fear of disrupting relations with the neighbouring Arab countries where around 7 million Indians used to work for sustaining their families. The figure today has come down as new avenues have been opened up or perhaps for some other reasons.
India is dominated by a much higher percentage of Hindus than other religions and it the Hindus who felt the need that India should establish diplomatic relations with Israel, thus it would dilute India’s closeness with the Arab neighbours who are Muslims and have witnessed bloody riots between Hindus and Muslims on several occasions in India. The Jewish community settled in India is mostly business oriented and have never caused any concern to the Indian government or any section of the Indian society. Some Indian citizens of Israeli descent have contributed to our armed forces, architecture and entertainment. Finally the Government of India established diplomatic relations with Israel only in 1992 during the Congress rule of P.V. Narashima Rao.
Today we are engaged with Israel in defence, trade, agriculture and water management. India is the second largest importer of arms and ammunition after Russia and is actively engaged in combating terrorism with the help of Israel.
The visit of PM Modi will go a long way in cementing the ancient bond between ancient communities of India and Israel.
